• Special Education – Grades K-12th
• Special Education Bilingual – Grades K-12th
• Elementary Education – Grades 1st-6th
• Early Childhood Education – Birth to 2nd
• Middle Grades Math, Science, or Language Arts Grades 5th-8th
• High School: Math, Science, or Language Arts Grades 9th-12th
• Physical Education – Grades K-12th
• Visual Arts Grades – Grades K-12th

No, the AUSL Teacher Residency Program is designed to train people who do not currently have teaching licenses.

To apply to the Residency program you will be required to upload a resume and unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. You will also be required to write a brief essay.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Complete the online application and upload your unofficial college transcripts, current resume, and essay responses. Our team will review your materials to confirm program and subject-area eligibility.

Step 2: Virtual Interview

Eligible candidates will be invited to a 30-minute virtual interview with an AUSL Admissions team member.

Step 3: AUSL Selection & DePaul Recommendation

Following a successful interview, selected candidates will receive official notification to begin their application to our university partner, DePaul University’s Graduate School of Education. 

Step 4: Apply to DePaul University

Complete the DePaul application by submitting the following:

• Official Transcripts: From every institution attended (electronic or sealed physical copies).
• Recommendations: Two (2) professional or academic letters.
• Personal Statement: Outlining your goals and interests.
• Writing Sample: Required only for Special Education applicants.

(Detailed instructions will be sent directly by DePaul.)

Step 5: Receive Your Offer & Next Steps

Once admitted by DePaul and approved for final selection by AUSL, you’ll receive your formal Residency offer. Your AUSL recruiter and DePaul admissions staff will guide you through pre-program requirements.

We offer four application deadlines throughout the admissions cycle:

• Priority/Early Access Deadline: October 7, 2026
• Priority Deadline: November 17, 2026
• Winter Deadline: February 10, 2027
• Final Deadline: April 30, 2027

While we accept applications through the final deadline, we strongly encourage you to apply early. Applicants who apply earlier have a greater opportunity to secure their preferred content area and school partner before availability becomes limited, receive earlier admissions decisions, and have more time to prepare for the program.

We accept one application per candidate each recruitment cycle. If you are not accepted into the program, you may submit a new application for the following cohort.

All resident teachers receive either a training scholarship of at least $22,100 or are paid directly by their partner district during their training year. These funds may be used at the resident’s discretion. Your recruiter can provide you with information about the scholarship as well as additional financial resources. Click here for more information on financial aid.

The Residency year is a full calendar year and runs June to June. Graduate school courses begin in June of 2027. Residents begin their classroom training in the fall according to their partner district school calendar.

Summer: Full-time university coursework through DePaul University Monday-Friday from 9 -4 p.m. in June, July and a portion of August. During these months, Residents complete half of their graduate coursework needed to obtain a Master’s degree.

School year: Residents work side-by-side their mentor teacher in a classroom within their host district Monday-Thursday for a hands-on training experience. Fridays are dedicated to completing Master’s Degree coursework.

No, the AUSL Teacher Residency Program does not provide housing.

DePaul University offers a reduced tuition rate for our resident teachers of $20,400*. Financial aid, grants and scholarships are available. See more information here.

*Tuition subject to increase based on DePaul University’s yearly tuition rate changes. Talk to your recruiter to learn more.

Starting salaries vary by school district and are based on each district’s salary schedule and collective bargaining agreement. Upon successful completion of the Residency year and hiring process, graduates are eligible to begin their teaching careers as licensed teachers with a master’s degree.

To learn more about the starting salary and benefits available in the districts for which you’re eligible, please connect with a recruiter.

The AUSL Teacher Residency Program is designed to create a pipeline of talented, specially-trained teachers to fill positions in high-needs schools across Cook and Lake County. When you join our program, you will sign an agreement committing to teach for a minimum of four years, after graduation, in a high-needs school at your host district.

Placing Chicago and Lake County Teacher Residency graduates in high-needs schools is part of AUSL’s mission. Each spring, AUSL principals observe residents in the classroom and select new teachers for their schools. Nearly all Residents receive offers (oftentimes multiple offers). However, AUSL does not require principals to hire Resident teachers. We recognize the many factors that impact hiring decisions, so placement is not guaranteed.

What is guaranteed is that you will not navigate this process alone. AUSL remains a community beyond the residency year. Our team will continue working with you through the hiring process, leveraging our school partnerships, network, and resources to help you find the right teaching opportunity.

Historically, over 90% of our resident graduates teach in their partner district following the residency year.