Application Process

Steps for Applying to RTR

RTR Online Application

  • Please be prepared to upload unofficial transcripts for all previous post-secondary (college and university) schooling, even if you did not earn a degree from the institution.
  • You will need to provide the name and email address of three professional references. These can be current/former supervisors, current/former colleagues, or current/former professors or advisors.
  • You will need to upload your statement of intent. This is a 2+ page double-spaced document describing your motivation to becoming a teacher through the RTR program. Each pathway’s specific prompt can be found by clicking here.

Transcript Review

  • After your application is submitted, your transcripts will be reviewed based on your teaching interest.
  • VCU School of Education faculty will review your transcript to ensure that you have a 3.0 GPA (cumulative or in the last 60 hours) and that you have taken the prerequisite coursework needed for teacher licensure.
  • If your GPA qualifies you to move forward with applying to the program, faculty will create a program of study for you, which may include additional courses that you will need to take prior to enrollment in the program.

Interview

  • Once your transcripts have been reviewed, you will receive an invitation to sign up for a virtual Zoom interview with our RTR residency coordinators.
  • During the interview, you will respond to interview questions focused on your desire to teach in the high-needs setting as well as qualities you will bring to the program.
  • During the interview, you will also teach something for a total of 5 minutes. You get to choose what you would like to teach. This can be a lesson you would teach to your future students; how to knit a hat; how to make a bed; anything that you feel confident in teaching the interviewers.

Things Needed for the Application

  • PDFs of all of your transcripts from colleges and universities you have attended
  • Contact information for three professional references (name, email address, organization, job title, etc.)
  • Your statement of intent
  • Your area of teaching interest (elementary, secondary, special education)
  • Information about your previous employment and academic experiences
  • Time to provide thoughtful responses to the two open-ended application questions

Transcript Review

If you want to have your transcripts reviewed before you apply, follow this link and upload PDFs of your unofficial transcripts.

Apply Now

If you are ready to apply to join the RTR Teacher Residency program, follow this link to begin the process.