National Center for Teacher Residencies

You could feel the synergy in the room as leaders from NCTR, AACTE American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and Deans for Impact came together to kickstart hashtag ! Through a Fireside Chat, the three leaders came together to share a vision for strengthening educator preparation and advancing the teaching profession. Through thoughtful conversations and a commitment to collective impact, the leaders discussed their hopes for the future of what’s possible when organizations unite to support educators and the students they serve.

NCTR is proud to endorse the Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act, legislation that would strengthen and modernize federal loan forgiveness for educators serving in high-need schools and early childhood settings.

Reducing the financial barriers to becoming and remaining an educator is critical to addressing teacher shortages and building a stronger educator workforce. Investing in educators means investing in students, schools, and communities.

We thank Senator Ben Ray Luján, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, and Rep Jahana Hayes for championing this important legislation that supports educator recruitment, preparation, and retention.

Read More: https://bit.ly/4u0jTIk

Our partners in this work Deans for Impact just released the second edition of The Science of Learning!

The second edition of The Science of Learning includes the most up-to-date cognitive-science research about how students learn, with the addition of potential pitfalls for teachers to be aware of, and a section on how to support students to self-regulate their learning.

This report is a must-have for education leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders who want current and future teachers to be equipped with strong, research-based instructional knowledge and skills. The Science of Learning provides a set of enduring principles that support effective learning regardless of how schools and classrooms evolve.

Download the report here: https://www.deansforimpact.org/thescienceoflearning

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🎉 Let's recognize the teachers who have shaped our lives, open doors, and inspired possibility. Think about the teacher, mentor, or educator who made a difference in your life. The one who challenged you, supported you, and helped you see what was possible.

Now it’s your turn to say thank you.✨

Complete the sentence: “Because of a teacher, I can…”
I can lead.
I can dream bigger.
I can make an impact.

📣Share your story and help us celebrate the power of teachers everywhere:
✔ Complete the sentence below in our comments.
✔ Reshare our post on your page.
✔ Tag an educator who inspired you.

Let’s uplift the people who help shape who we become.

NCTR is proud to endorse the TEACH Improvement Act because we know making educator preparation affordable matters. The TEACH Improvement Act—introduced by Senators Grassley and Reed—aims to expand financial support and improve accountability for the next generation of teachers.

This legislation represents a powerful opportunity to make high-quality pathways—like teacher residencies and registered apprenticeships—more accessible, affordable, and impactful for aspiring educators.

With over 400,000 teaching positions nationwide either unfilled or underqualified, bold solutions are needed now. Teacher residencies and apprenticeships are part of that solution. They prepare educators to lead from day one in the classroom, and that preparation contributes to their confidence and resilience to continue teaching to provide opportunities for their students’ futures. However, our future educators need the financial support that the TEACH Improvement Act provides to make it financially feasible.

At NCTR, we believe every student deserves a well-prepared, well-supported teacher. Investments like these move us closer to a future where the educator workforce reflects and serves every community with excellence.

👉 Let’s continue to transform how teachers are recruited, prepared, and supported—together.

Read More: https://bit.ly/48zBA9R

Don’t miss it—it’s not too late to join us TODAY! ⏰

Join our Transforming Educator Preparation webinar from 1–2 p.m. CT in partnership with Ensemble Learning.

We’ll dive into best practices for preparing early childhood educators and supporting multilingual learners, with insights from leaders across the field. 🍎

👉 Register now (it’s free!): https://bit.ly/3P3guJU

Join us for our next Transforming Educator Preparation webinar on April 30, from 1-2 p.m. CT! 🌐

In partnership with Ensemble Learning, the webinar, titled "Unpacking Best Practices for Preparing Teachers for Early Childhood and Multilingual Learners," will bring together leaders, practitioners, and partners from educator preparation programs to discuss innovative strategies and research-based practices that are shaping the future of teacher preparation.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into enhancing early childhood educator readiness, effectively supporting multilingual learners through targeted instructional approaches, and aligning preparation programs with the evolving realities of classrooms and communities.

Guest Panelists:

🍎 Dr. Adriana Cervantes-González, Program Manager, Residency Programs, Tulare County Office of Education
🍎 Sarah Galloway, Program Manager, AppleTree Early Learning Teacher Residency
🍎 Dr. Elizet Kneisler, Assistant Professor of Practice, The University of Texas at Austin
🍎 Dr. Julie Lara, Managing Director, Multilingual Programs, Ensemble Learning
🍎 Dr. Xóchitl Rocha, Director of Bilingual Education Programs and Policy and Technical Assistance, Texas Education Agency

Register for the free webinar!: https://bit.ly/3P3guJU

So glad you were able to join us for hashtag , and we're even more happy that you left Symposium feeling energized and a sense of community! Creating change in support of teacher preparation in the U.S. is truly about the Power of We! 💙 🧡 💙

💫 What an incredible two days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. This year’s Symposium reminded us that real, lasting change happens when we come together—sharing ideas, lifting one another up, and committing to a stronger educator workforce for all students.

Because of our programs, this community showed up in powerful ways:
💬 216 messages exchanged
👥 144 attendees connected
📷 57 moments captured and shared
📲 55 community board posts sparked dialogue
📚 34 sessions fueled learning and innovation

Each number represents something bigger—new relationships formed, ideas ignited, and momentum built for the work ahead.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed your voice, and helped bring “The Power of We” to life. The connections made here don’t end—they grow stronger as we carry this energy forward into our programs, partnerships, and communities.

We’re leaving inspired, grateful, and ready to continue driving change—together. 💙🧡 💙