In collaboration with Drexel University, School of Education and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the District seeks to establish a new teacher residency program for currently appointed paraprofessionals to train and become certified teachers in grades K-6. The funding requested represents the maximum number of fifteen (15) participants for school years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. These are estimated participation numbers based on the potential number of interested paraprofessionals. Actual enrollment will be determined by those who meet the eligibility criteria and are selected into the program.

Success will be measured by the number of participants who enroll in the program, complete their residency year, become teachers of record, and remain in teaching roles for a minimum of two years. This work is connected to all District goals and guardrails in that this will support the District’s ability to promote and retain more individuals from the Philadelphia community who already work in and support our schools and students.