RTR Residents receive tuition coverage associated with their eligible RTR pathway. This support helps reduce the cost of completing the VCU coursework required for teacher preparation and licensure.

Tuition coverage does not necessarily cover every cost associated with attending VCU. Residents should plan for expenses such as application fees, books, supplies, transportation, and personal living expenses.

RTR Residents may also be eligible for additional financial aid and funding through VCU.

The VCU Office of Financial Aid can help students explore available funding opportunities, including the TEACH Grant for eligible students.

For School of Education financial aid questions, contact:

SFMCSOE@vcu.edu

Tip: We encourage prospective Residents to explore financial aid options early and speak with a financial aid counselor about their individual circumstances.

The RTR application is free and is the first step in the application process. The RTR application is due February 1.

If you are selected for RTR, you will then complete the appropriate VCU application as part of your enrollment process.

Current VCU application fees:

• Undergraduate: $75
• Graduate: $70

The VCU application fee is paid during the VCU application process after RTR selection.

Residents should also plan for other costs associated with completing their degree and residency, including books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

Salary and benefits vary by school division and pathway.

Some participating school divisions provide Residents with a salary and benefits during the residency, while others do not. Compensation is determined by the individual school division and is separate from RTR’s tuition support.

Explore participating school divisions to learn about salary and benefits:

[View School Division Information →]

Important: Salary and benefits are subject to the policies of the participating school division and may change. Prospective Residents should confirm current compensation information with RTR and the school division.

RTR is a residency model, which means Residents make a professional commitment to participate fully in the program and serve the communities in which they are prepared.

In exchange for RTR’s tuition support, Residents sign an RTR Service Agreement.

Following successful completion of the program and licensure, the Service Agreement requires Residents to work as a teacher of record in a high-need school in their residency school district for three years.

Residents should carefully review their individual Service Agreement before signing and contact RTR staff with questions about their specific commitment.

During the Residency, Residents Are Expected To:

• Fully participate in their assigned residency placement.
• Meet RTR, VCU, and school-division expectations.
• Maintain consistent attendance and professionalism.
• Participate in required seminars, meetings, professional learning, and residency activities.
• Complete required academic, clinical, and residency requirements.
• Progress through RTR’s teaching models, including co-teaching, lead teaching, and solo teaching.
• Work collaboratively with their Mentor Teacher, Residency Coach, and school community.

Learn more about the RTR Service Agreement in Our RTR Handbook →

Mentor Teachers are essential to the RTR residency experience. They model effective teaching, coach Residents, provide feedback, and support Residents as they gradually assume responsibility for instruction.

Mentor Stipend

Mentor Teachers receive a stipend for their participation and completion of required Mentor responsibilities.

Stipend payment is connected to the completion and verification of required work and documentation.

A simple way to think about it: You can’t get paid for work you haven’t done.

RTR communicates stipend requirements, deadlines, and processing information to participating Mentors.

Learn more about becoming an RTR Mentor →