Philadelphia Teacher Residency (PTR) is a teacher preparation program that operates with the goal of retooling science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals and recent graduates to teach math and science in Philadelphia schools (grades 6–12). PTR is a partnership between the Ed Fund, the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE), and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT).
For a full school year, veteran teachers will serve as mentors for program participants (Residents) in high school classrooms. At the same time, Residents will take coursework at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education to earn both a Master's Degree as well as Pennsylvania teacher certification. Contingent upon the availability of funds, Residents receive tuition supplement and a living stipend to support their full-time training. In 2010, generous funds are available through the Noyce scholarship award.
In return, Residents teach in the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) for at least 3–4 years (depending on the source of financial support) after the residency-training year and obtain a hiring commitment from the School District of Philadelphia. For the graduated Resident's first three years as a full-time teacher of record, Philadelphia Teacher Residency provides ongoing professional development activities.
Philadelphia Teacher Residency focuses on the thorough preparation of math and science teachers for Philadelphia's high-need public schools. The first year of solo teaching can be intimidating for any teacher. However, by the time Residents begin a school year in their own classroom, they already have a year of experience, a thorough understanding of the challenges that lie ahead, and an ongoing support network.