Teacher Residency- Lemon Grove School District

Overview:

_{This Residency Program is a partnership between the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), National University (NU) and Lemon Grove School District (LGSD). While earning a Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential, Resident Teachers work alongside a Mentor Teacher in the classroom for the duration of one school year, while attending teacher credential coursework and participating on the school campus as a staff member. Throughout the school year, the Resident and Mentor Teacher meet weekly for “Sacred Meeting Time” and teaching responsibilities are gradually released to the Resident through the co-teaching model. This year-long student teaching placement and consistent reflection and feedback provides the Resident Teacher a deep understanding of teaching practice prior to entering the classroom as the Teacher of Record.}
_{Our residents will be employed as classroom paraprofessionals, earning a paraprofessional salary with benefits. They will also receive a $20,000 annual stipend and gain priority consideration for job interviews upon successfully completing the residency program.}

Mission and Vision of Lemon Grove School District Teacher Residency Program

_{We believe in empowering educators through the Lemon Grove School District residency grant program, providing them with opportunities for professional growth, creative exploration, and community engagement. Our mission is to support educators in developing innovative teaching practices, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and inspiring students through their renewed passion and dedication. We aim to create a network of empowered educators who are catalysts for positive change in education, making a lasting impact on students and our community.}

Pathways to Teaching Goals:

_{The Pathways to Teaching Residency launched in the fall of 2024 after receiving funding from the state of California's Teacher Residency Implementation/Expansion grants. After fulfilling all teacher credentialing requirements, residency completers commit to joining the LGSD teaching workforce. There are three key goals for the residency.}

1. Diversify the teacher workforce to reflect the demographics of the community

_{We believe a diverse teacher workforce benefits all students academically and socially. The Pathways to Teaching Residency aims to identify, recruit, prepare, and retain teachers who mirror the LGSD student population.}

2. Ensure residents are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective classroom teachers

_{The Pathways to Teaching Residency courses are expertly designed by veteran teachers and provide residents with a working knowledge of pedagogical practices proven effective for teaching TK-12 students. The residency delivers a curriculum aligned to Teacher Performance Expectations, California Common Core Content Standards. Course activities and assignments focus on preparing residents to offer systematic and explicit instruction to all students.}

3. Increase the number of Education Specialists within the district

_{The Pathways to Teaching Residency’s Education Specialists program features a specialized track in Mild to Moderate and Extensive Support Needs. This branch of the}

_{residency ensures that residents can integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application. The curriculum in this pathway is distinct from similar programs in the region due to the extensive personal support and empowerment training. Through coursework and clinical experiences, this pathway equips residents with the skills needed to support students in general and special education classrooms.}

How it works:

Schedule
_{Residents will:}

_{attend coursework for the credential program in either National University or Point Loma Nazarene University}
_{attend Seminar class through their University which will include professional development and topics to support instruction and program completion.}
_{follow the Lemon Grove School District calendar when out in the field or clinical practice}

_Perks
_{Residents will:}

_{be able to participate in all training and professional development opportunities in the district.}
_{be able to earn additional money as a full time classroom paraprofessional.}
_{be offered priority to interview for a teaching position in the Lemon Grove School District.}
_{be offered a $20,000 yearly stipend and support applying for grant money for credential coursework (Resident must apply).}

_Requirements
_{Residents will:}

_{complete all requirements to enroll in a credential program (pre-requisite classes may be planned for Summer 2025)}
_{complete weekly check-in surveys to monitor resident experiences and program improvements.}
_{Obtain a 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit - Apply for the Emergency 30-day Substitute Teaching Permit through the SD County Office of Education. Human Resources can guide you through this step in the most efficient way.}
_{Certificate of Clearance - Apply online for this Certificate of Clearance on the CTC website.}

What is the application and selection process?

_{We are currently accepting applications for the 2025 - 2026 school year. We are seeking residents enrolled in Point Loma Nazarene University or National University credential programs to become part of the Lemon Grove School District cohort: Special Education Mild/Moderate Support Needs or Extensive Support Needs. Please email all inquiries to Leanne Gattegno ([email protected]), Coordinator of Teacher Residency Program. Interested candidates should fill out the Teacher Residency Program Application. Applicants will be interviewed for the program. Residents who are selected into the program will attend mandatory orientation meeting during the Summer before school begins. Residents who are selected will begin at their assigned site with their mentor teacher on on the first day of school.}

_{Guide- Pathways to Teaching Residency- Lemon Grove School District}