Become a Teacher in One Year

Transition to a new career through a proven hands-on training model that makes becoming a teacher possible.

The Chicago Teacher Residency™

The Chicago Teacher Residency (CTR) is a one-year teacher preparation program for career changers with a bachelor’s degree from all backgrounds.

CTR Residents receive a scholarship to obtain a master’s degree from DePaul University and obtain in-classroom experience with guidance from expert coaches and mentors. Graduates of the program make an immediate impact as full-time teachers, transforming lives in Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

Mentored

The residency is a supportive program that develops highly effective teachers through master’s level coursework partnered with mentorship from expert coaches and mentors.

Equipped

By combining theory and practice, participants receive the tools they need to become successful educators in Chicago Public Schools.

Placed

Upon completion of the one-year program, individuals are fully licensed to teach in Illinois and are prepared to be placed in a full-time teaching position in Chicago Public Schools.

Why Join the Chicago Teacher Residency?

One-Year Master's Degree

Earn a master’s degree from DePaul University in just one year at a reduced tuition cost.

One-On-One Coaching

Receive personalized feedback and support from an experienced mentor teacher and expert resident coach for your entire training year.

In-Class Experience

Gain over 1000 hours of classroom experience learning alongside a supportive mentor teacher for a full school year.

Financial Support

Receive access to a training scholarship, health care coverage, child care support, and apply for additional partner funded grants to help cover resident expenses throughout the program.

Job Ready

Upon successful completion of the residency program, all Residents are qualified for a full-time teaching position within CPS.

Proven Cohort Model

Learn and grow with a cohort of future teachers within a model that’s been successfully graduating highly effective teachers since 2003.

Tuition & Financial Aid

As a Resident, you will enroll at DePaul University at a reduced tuition rate.
Tuition

As a Resident, you will be enrolled at DePaul University receiving a reduced tuition rate of approximately $20,400.

Financial Aid

All Residents receive access to $34,000+ in financial assistance opportunities, including a $22,100 training scholarship paid directly to you to fund your program year.

The Application Process

Apply online

Our online application is designed to be simple. Just give us your resume, answer a short question, and send us unofficial transcripts of the universities/colleges you’ve attended.

Online interview

After we review your application we’ll invite you to an online interview to speak with our recruiters.

Conditional acceptance

Within one week of your interview, you’ll find out if you’re accepted into the Chicago Teacher Residency, beginning your journey to the classroom.

University admittance

You will then enroll with our university partner, DePaul University, and choose your Master’s degree program focus.

Start Your Application

Create an account to get started on earning your Masters and becoming a teacher.

Continue Your Application

Log in to complete your application, submit materials, and enroll.

CTR Alumni Testimonials

Join the 1,444 graduates of the Chicago Teacher Residency who are making a difference in classrooms across Chicago.