Overview

Doctors do not come straight out of college and go directly into an operating room. Instead, they develop their skills through years of residency and practice under the supervision of a skilled, experienced physician.

Working on this concept, PEF is directing the planning for a Teacher Residency program called TEACH/Here. The program will recruit 20-40 teachers per year - to be divided evenly between Hamilton and Knox County schools. Candidates will be recent college graduates who have earned degrees in math, science, or a field other than education, and who completed college with a grade point average (GPA) over 3.0. These teacher trainees will be paired in a classroom with a master teacher mentor four days a week, and will attend classes on the fifth day. The program will last one year, at the end of which trainees will earn both a teaching certificate and a Master’s degree. TEACH/Here aims to place graduates in schools with critical shortages in math and science teaching.

The mission of TEACH/Here is to improve learning and life outcomes for students by recruiting, preparing, and supporting exceptional, effective teachers to serve in high-needs positions of the Hamilton and Knox County school districts.

PEF is not taking on this project alone. We are proud to join the Hamilton County Department of Education, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and Knox County Schools in an unprecendented two city residency - TEACH/Here-Chattanooga and TEACH/Here-Knoxville. Together, these programs will help strengthen schools and boost math and science scores in both of these major Tennessee cities.

TEACH/Here is made possible by a grant from the National Science Foundation, and local support from the Benwood Foundation and individual donors. For more information, please view the TEACH/Here website,  frequently asked questions and fact sheet.