Teacher residency and registered teacher apprenticeship are related, but they are not the same thing. 

A teacher residency is a preparation model: residents complete a full academic year of clinical practice alongside an accomplished mentor teacher, using co-teaching, coaching, and feedback to develop their skills before becoming the teacher of record. 

A Registered Teacher Apprenticeship is a workforce model that can be layered onto a residency. Teacher apprentices are employed by a participating district and earn wages while completing their preparation and on-the-job learning requirements. 

In New Mexico, some teacher residents are also registered apprentices, but most residents are not apprentices. Both pathways can lead to high-quality teacher preparation, but apprenticeship adds an employment structure to the residency experience. 

In a residency, you'll work in a classroom for a full school year. You'll get paid and take courses as you go.

With a standard or "traditional" teaching program, you'll typically get all your classes out of the way first. Then, you'll complete a sometimes paid student teaching experience with coaching support from a mentor teacher. Student teaching can last anywhere from six weeks to a full semester, depending on your program.

You can apply to a residency if you:

• Are enrolled in or plan to enroll in a participating New Mexico educator preparation program (EPP).
• Can pass a background check. 

Yes. In New Mexico, the minimum stipend for undergraduate teacher residents is $35,700 and $44,000 for post-graduate teacher residents. So you’ll be making at least that much, but some programs offer more! Some programs also offer tuition help and health benefits. 

Your residency program will pair you with an experienced mentor teacher. You’ll co-teach as a team and provide instruction alongside your mentor throughout the year. Your mentor teacher will provide daily coaching and feedback to help you build your skills. 

After completing your residency, you’ll be ready to apply for your Level I teaching license. Teacher residencies are available through both undergraduate and master’s programs. Depending on the program, you may also graduate with a master’s degree. Master’s-level residents receive higher compensation.

Teacher residencies have huge benefits for both prospective teachers. Here’s some of what you can expect:

• Earn a stipend while you train. 
• Reduce the costs of becoming a teacher.
• Work with mentor teachers and coaches, and get guidance and feedback.
• Get real classroom experience while you work, and increase your responsibilities over time.
• Take classes that build your teaching skills.
• Get ongoing support even after you graduate. 
• Build relationships with students and families.