San Diego Unified School District had 26 participants who successfully entered its TEACH-LEAD San Diego Teacher Residency Program (TRP) last fall, which led the Board of Education to approve new contracts for its ongoing partnership with San Diego State University (SDSU), the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and the University of San Diego (USD).
The week, the board ratified contracts with SDSU and USD. The UCSD contract was ratified late last year.
The agreements by the board underscore San Diego Unified’s focus on further strengthening its teacher pipeline program.
“Developing our educators to teach and lead within San Diego Unified, builds a stronger, more culturally responsive district that reflects the vibrant diversity of our students and community,” said Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District superintendent (interim). “We’ve already seen wonderfully talented and incredibly prepared residents come through our doors this school year, and this agreement lays the groundwork for the next cohort. I am pleased this residency program is flourishing thanks to our partnerships with these outstanding universities.”
Many of the residents are pursuing dual credentials (special education/multiple subject or single subject), single or multiple subject (with bilingual authorization), or special education (mild/moderate support needs).
The program offers both financial and personalized pathway resources to individuals beginning or continuing their journey toward a career as a teacher.
Each academic year, SDSU, UCSD, and USD will work collaboratively to identify and select prospective students interested in attending their university’s respective credential program and participating in the TRP.
The universities will work with the district to ensure that teacher residents are matched with a mentor teacher and that the teacher resident has the opportunity over a full academic year to observe, co-plan, and co-teach lessons guided by a high-quality mentor teacher.
The universities will offer coaching sessions to candidates, including support to access financial aid, scholarships, and application assistance to enroll in that particular university’s credentialing program. Residents receive a total stipend of $37,500 over the residency year.
As an additional financial incentive, San Diego Unified will provide teacher residents with the opportunity to substitute teach within their assigned school or school cluster for one day per week, for up to 34 days per academic year.
The residency is funded by the California Teacher Residency Grant Program. The year-long program is designed to increase the diversity of educators in the district and build professional practice rooted in culturally sustaining pedagogy and equity consciousness.
“This program has been a win-win for all involved,” said Kimberly Moore, executive director of Diversity, Inclusion and Development for the San Diego Unified School District. “With a student body representing over 15 ethnic groups, we recognize diversity as a powerful asset. It is essential to encourage future teachers from all backgrounds to join us, as their diverse knowledge, history, and unique perspectives enrich our educational community and foster a more inclusive environment for everyone.”
San Diego Unified schools hosting residents in the 2024-25 school year are Boone Elementary, Freese Elementary, Bell Middle, Mann Middle, Montgomery Middle, Crawford High, Mission Bay High, and Morse High.
To learn more about the program, click here.
Photo credit: Dave Thomas
