District Residencies

How CGU District Residencies Differ from Traditional Student Teaching Programs

Research shows that teacher residencies, modeled after medical residencies, are more effective at preparing teachers for long and successful careers in education.

A standard teacher residency program is a yearlong classroom placement where candidates work alongside a mentor teacher who provides coaching and gradually shifts instructional responsibility. This immersive experience allows residents to engage in the full academic cycle while completing their California Preliminary Teaching Credential and MA in Education.

All candidates complete a full-time, year-long clinical residency in a partner school district within 30 miles of their residence. This model is supported by over 100 residency partners across the region. Residents typically spend a minimum of 20 hours per week at a local public or charter school. CGU regularly collaborates with a core group of trusted, long-standing sites while offering many additional placement options to suit each candidate’s goals.

Key Differences:

• Length: Traditional student teaching programs last 6 to 8 weeks. CGU’s Teacher Residency spans a full school year, allowing candidates to experience every phase of the academic cycle.
• Placement: Traditional programs place candidates solely in a mentor’s classroom. CGU residents are embedded both in the classroom and across the school community.
• Mentor Learning: Traditional mentors receive limited preparation. CGU mentors engage in orientation, monthly professional development, and faculty-led orientation and faculty led support sessions.
• Schoolwide Engagement: Traditional placements offer limited involvement beyond the classroom. CGU residents participate in schoolwide PD, substitute teaching, and campus support.
• Added Support: CGU assigns each mentor/resident pair a Clinical Faculty Advisor with similar content area expertise who provides personalized guidance throughout the residency.

Partner Hosted Pathways: Dual-Role Residency

Developed in collaboration with our district partners, this residency model strengthens teacher preparation, supports retention, and meets community needs.

The Dual-Role Residency builds on our standard model by combining a full-year classroom placement with paid, on-campus experience. In this accelerated 12 to 18-month pathway, candidates gain hands-on teaching experience, earn a living stipend, and complete their California Preliminary Teaching Credential and MA in Education.

Throughout the year, candidates spend at least 20 hours per week in their mentor teacher’s classroom and an additional 12 to 17 hours per week in a paid dual role as a substitute or intervention educator. This immersive model combines coursework, mentorship, and professional experience, helping candidates build strong connections within partner districts.

Please note: Some partnerships require applicants to already be employed by the district, and participation does not guarantee post-program employment, though graduates are highly competitive candidates for district hiring.

Key Details:

• Program Length: 12-18 months (accelerated)
• Compensation: $25,000–$37,000 (varies by district)
• Schedule: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, 4–5 days/week (typically Mon–Fri)
• Eligibility: Select content areas only (no current funding for English, Social Science, or World Languages)
• Commitment: Minimum 4 years teaching in California after completion

Partner Districts

Corona-Norco Unified School District
Credential Areas: Multiple Subject, Special Education, and STEM
Living Stipend: $25,000 total package
Time Commitment: 5 days per week, Dual Role Residency
Additional Resources: CNUSD Website | CNUSD Instagram | CNUSD LinkedIn

Downey Unified School District*
Credential Areas: Moderate/Severe Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs, Special Education
Eligibility: Available only to current Downey Unified School District employees.
Living Stipend: $35,000 total package
Time Commitment: 4 days per week, Dual Role Residency
Additional Resources: DUSD Website | DUSD Instagram

Ontario-Montclair School District*
Credential Areas: Multiple Subject (Special Education availability varies annually based on district needs).
Living Stipend: $35,000 total package
Time Commitment: 4 days per week, Dual Role Residency
Additional Funding: Participants who have worked as classified staff in Ontario-Montclair may be eligible for the Classified Employee Grant.
Additional Resources: OMSD Website | OMSD Instagram

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools*
Credential Areas: Extensive Support Needs, Special Education
Eligibility: Available only to current San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools paraprofessionals who have completed their probationary period.
Living Stipend: $31,700 plus approximately 80% of paraprofessional salary and full benefits.
Time Commitment: 4 days per week, Dual Role Residency
Additional Funding: Participants who have worked as classified staff in any San Bernardino County public or charter school may be eligible for the Classified Employee Grant.
Additional Resources: SBCSS Website | SBCSS Instagram

West San Gabriel Valley SELPA*
Credential Areas: Extensive Support Needs, Special Education
Living Stipend: $27,000 total package
Time Commitment: 4 days per week, Dual Role Residency
Additional Resources: WSGV SELPA Website

Districts marked with an asterisk require a four-year teaching commitment in California.

Residency Pathways FAQ