Program inspired by medical training places aspiring teachers in paid, full-time, long-term classroom residency with expert teachers
The Sage Colleges Esteves School of Education is one of only three schools of education in New York state with a partnership with the Classroom Academy.
The Classroom Academy began in 2017 with a grant from the National Education Association. The program places candidates for an Education master’s degree in paid, full-time, two-year residencies with experienced teachers, instead of in traditional seven-week student-teaching placements. Research suggests that increasing the number of hours aspiring teachers spend in classrooms will result in better-prepared teachers entering the profession, with positive consequences for student learning and teacher retention.
“The Classroom Academy is inspired by the rigorous, immersive residencies that medical students experience,” said John Pelizza, Ph.D., dean of the Esteves School of Education. “It is an innovative approach, and consistent with Sage’s commitment to prepare teacher candidates who thrive in the profession.”
Sage is now accepting applications for its first cohort of Classroom Academy residents who will begin coursework toward a master’s degree in summer 2020, and classroom residencies in fall 2020. Prospective candidates should apply to the Esteves School of Education’s Master of Science in Childhood/Special Education program. Those accepted to the master’s program will be eligible to apply to the Classroom Academy.