What do you want to teach?

RTR Residents

RTR is looking for individuals who have a desire to teach in a high-need school setting. RTR residents:

  • advocate for students
  • are caring
  • are committed
  • have integrity
  • are cooperative
  • are critical thinkers
  • are strong communicators
  • become reflective practitioners
  • become change agents in our partner schools
  • make a difference in the lives of students

Pathways Available

Elementary Education

Elementary teachers work with students in grades preK through 5 or 6. They typically teach all four major content areas (reading, math, science, and social studies) and have the same group of students in their classroom every day.

Special Education

Special Education teachers are certified to work with students from grades K through 12. General special education teachers typically work in a collaborative classroom setting alongside a general education teacher, supporting students with disabilities. Adapted special education teachers typically work in a self-contained classroom.

Secondary (Middle & High School) Education

Secondary teachers are certified to teach middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). They generally specialize in one content area and will teach multiple classes of students each day.

2-year elementary or special education bachelor of science

To qualify for this pathway, applicants need:

  • An associate’s degree from an accredited institution
    • Eligible Majors: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Science, Associate of Fine Arts, Certificate of General Studies, General Education Certificate, and Associate of Applied Sciences in Early Childhood Development
  • A 2.5 GPA overall
  • Elementary applicants need to have no more than 80 outstanding credits needed to complete the Bachelor of Science degree. Please see this document to learn more about the specific courses required.
  • Passing scores on licensure exams (during the residency year): the Praxis multi-subject elementary education test and the Praxis teaching reading test

 

1-year Elementary or special education Bachelor of Science

We have a pathway for students currently enrolled in VCU’s Bachelor of Science in Education program. Students may apply during their junior year to participate in RTR during their senior year. To qualify for this pathway, applicants need:

  • To be currently enrolled in the VCU Bachelor of Science in Education for Elementary, Early Childhood, or Special Education
  • A 3.0 GPA in their VCU coursework
  • Passing scores on licensure exams: the Praxis multi-subject elementary education test and the Praxis teaching reading test

Elementary Graduate Certificate Pathway

To qualify for this pathway, applicants need:

  • A bachelor’s degree with any major
  • A 3.0 GPA overall or in the final 60 hours of coursework
  • Previous coursework that meets the Virginia Department of Education teacher licensure requirements (click here for details)
  • Passing scores on licensure exams (during the residency year): the Praxis multi-subject elementary education test and the Praxis teaching reading test

 

Special Education Master of Education Pathway

This pathway includes two degree programs, the Master of Education in General Special Education and the Master of Education in Adapted Special Education.

To qualify for this pathway, applicants need:

  • A bachelor’s degree with any major
  • 3.0 GPA overall or in the final 60 hours of coursework
  • A desire to work with students with disabilities
  • Passing scores on the licensure exam (during the RTR program): Praxis teaching reading test

Secondary Master of Teaching Pathway

To qualify for this pathway, applicants need:

  • An undergraduate degree in the content area they plan to teach OR substantial coursework in and experience teaching the content:
    • A degree in English to become an English teacher
    • A degree in math to become a math teacher
    • A degree in biology, chemistry, Earth science, or physics to become a content-specific science teacher
    • A degree in African American studies, history, or political science to become a social studies teacher
  • A 3.0 GPA overall or in the final 60 hours of coursework
  • Passing scores on the licensure exam (before the start of the residency year): Praxis content knowledge test

Note: The secondary English program requires three in-person full-day classes in Richmond, VA.

The Application Process

If you would like to learn more about how to apply, take a look at our Application Process page.

Apply Now

If you are ready to begin the application, head to our free, online application.