Program Overview
The Norman C. Francis Teacher Residency (NCFTR) is a first-of-its-kind partnership between New Orleans charter schools and Xavier University of Louisiana. Through this unique and innovative partnership, we are training the next generation of talented teachers who will expand opportunities for children across the city of New Orleans. This program is designed for individuals who are committed to a long-term career teaching in New Orleans but who have not yet taught in a classroom.
Specifically, this program offers aspiring K-12 educators a pathway into a career in teaching, combining targeted graduate coursework with on-the-job training through a teaching placement in one of our charter school partners. Over the course of their commitment to the program, residents will earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from Xavier University.
Norman C. Francis Teacher Residents will become well-versed in the skills, habits, and beliefs necessary to be highly successful teachers and will channel these learnings in a real classroom, working alongside an experienced and high-performing teacher. This mentor teacher provides ongoing coaching and support to the resident as he/she builds skills in the classroom, and will work hand-in-hand with the professors and staff at Xavier University to ensure the resident is continually growing and developing. In addition, the mentor teacher ensures the resident is acclimated to the school community in which he/she will teach.
What are the expectations of Norman C. Francis Teaching Residents?
Norman C. Francis Teaching Residents will:
- Work in a collaborative classroom environment to build teaching skills throughout the year.
- Attend graduate school classes two evenings during the school year, as well as a summer training session prior to the start of the school year. Additionally, residents are released from their charter school placement one school day per month to attend resident-specific institutes at Xavier University.
- Meet with his/her mentor teacher weekly to receive feedback and establish professional growth goals and next steps.
- Gradually increase his/her responsibility in the charter school classroom throughout the year, with the goal of being fully prepared to take over classroom instruction by the end of the year.
- Provide assistance to the mentor teacher in all other classroom responsibilities, including (but not limited to) lesson planning, grading, and data analysis.
- Build relationships within his/her school community, including students and their families, school-based staff, and community partners. Where possible, residents will participate in school functions, including professional development and community events.
- Represent Xavier University and model Xavier’s values at all times.
Am I qualified to join the program?
To be accepted into our program, candidates should possess the following:
- Bachelor’s degree with cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher required (if currently in school, expected Bachelor’s degree by May 2018).
- Will need to pass Praxis I (Core) and Praxis II (Subject tests) by April 30, 2018. Note: Candidates who have met one or more of the following qualifications are exempt from Praxis I:
- ACT composite score of 22 or higher
- SAT combined verbal and math score of 1030 or higher
- Earned a graduate degree
- Must be willing to make a four-year commitment to teaching at one of our partner charter schools in New Orleans.
- Deep commitment to New Orleans students and to providing them with the educational opportunities they deserve. Previous experience working in schools and/or urban communities is a bonus but is not a requirement.
- Demonstrated experience holding high expectations for self and persevering through challenges in order to meet those high expectations.
- Operates with professionalism at all times.
- Willingness to learn and grow; will accept feedback with humility and incorporate it into his/her practices and will also proactively seek out opportunities to improve.
- Strong time management skills; ability to prioritize time and tasks appropriately.
- Ability to build relationships with diverse groups of people and to work as a part of his/her charter school and Xavier communities.
- In addition, residents must pass a background check as well as a health clearance.
Residents will receive a $25,000 stipend during the residency year to assist with living expenses and pay for Xavier’s student health insurance, as needed. In addition, the first year of graduate school tuition is covered by the program.
Application Process
The Norman C. Francis Teaching Residency is a highly competitive program, and applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Our priority application deadline for the 2018-19 school year is November 15, 2017. Our 2018 deadlines are January 3, February 19, and March 15. Applicants who apply during these windows can expect to receive status update within three weeks of the deadline.
Interested applicants can submit their applications here: http://nolateacherresidency.org/apply-now/.
For more information, visit http://nolateacherresidency.org or contact [email protected].
Future application deadlines will be announced later this year.
NCFTR does not discriminate with regard to race, color, origin, gender, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. NCFTR is committed to seeking qualified applicants with disabilities and can provide reasonable accommodations during the application process and time of service upon request.