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Teach Western Mass Residency

Teach Western Mass is the leading resource for early-career educators in Western Massachusetts, serving as a partner for regional schools and more than 11,000 students. We provide the preparation program, ongoing coaching, and practical assistance needed to streamline the path to long-term, successful teaching careers. 

The Teach Western Mass Residency is a comprehensive, state-approved, Educator Preparation Program that focuses on licensing and retaining a workforce of teachers who are reflective of student identities and life experiences. Our credentialing program is uniquely customized to the needs of the students, teachers, and the vibrant community of our region. Teach Western Mass challenges the status quo of education, aiming to open pathways for BIPOC and antiracist teachers to excel in the classroom and retain high-performing teachers.

In the program, educators learn how to be highly successful, effective teachers while they develop standards-based and culturally-relevant lessons for students. Teachers who complete the program join our Alumni Network, where they continue to develop best teaching practices inclusive of all students and long-term connections in a supportive ecosystem.

Our program provides Residents with a pathway to MA Initial Licensure in English as a Second Language (PreK-6 or 5-12), Special Education <Moderate Disabilities> (PreK-6 or 5-12), or Middle School Mathematics (5-8).

Join Teach Western Mass and be a driving force behind educational equity. Work towards your Initial License in 18 months while teaching full-time.

Empower Your Teaching Journey!

When students see themselves reflected in the identities and life experiences of their teachers, they are more likely to thrive, develop confidence, and feel a sense of belonging. Your journey towards transformative teaching starts today. 

APPLY TODAY

TWM Black, Latine, and Educators of Color Fellowship

The TWM Black, Latine, and Educators of Color Fellowship (BLEC) aims to enhance the opportunities for early-career teachers to be successful by providing individualized support, financial resources, and access to professional development as part of the TWM Residency. Be the teacher our students deserve in the classroom. 

Learn more!
Teach Western Mass Residency

OUR TRAINING

TWM Residents spend 18 months developing foundational teaching techniques in their classroom with personalized training and expert coaches to guide them along the way. 

PRACTICE. Master essential teaching skills while you lead your classroom full-time.

COACHING. Learn how to succeed in Western Mass schools with guidance from expert coaches.

COMMUNITY. Join a cohort of inspiring educators on a journey toward advancing your in the classroom.

Together, we’re strengthening the local education workforce by developing powerful teachers reflective of their students’ life experiences and identities.

What We Offer

Earn your Initial Teaching License through the Teach Western Mass Residency in 18 months. The Teach Western Mass Residency is a comprehensive, state-approved, Educator Preparation Program that focuses on licensing and retaining a workforce of teachers who are reflective of student identities and life experiences. Our credentialing program is uniquely customized to the needs of the students, teachers, and the vibrant community of our region. Teach Western Mass challenges the status quo of education, aiming to open pathways for BIPOC and antiracist teachers to excel in the classroom and retain high-performing teachers. Certification is offered in Special Education K-12 (Moderate Disabilities), English as a Second Language K-12, and Middle School Math.

You will receive support from your TWM coach, the Residency team, and a tightly-knit cohort of your peers as you complete your coursework and teaching experience. 

You must currently teach in Holyoke Public Schools or the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership to be eligible for the Residency. 

Program Tuition

Tuition for the 2023-25 program is $9,000, which may be paid out over 10 or 12 months. Tuition assistance may be available to help you offset the tuition cost.

Benefits and Opportunities

TWM Black, Latine, and Educator of Color Fellowship: A regional cohort of Black, Latine, and other Educators of Color designed to empower you through your education career and to close the opportunity gap for educators and students alike. Fellows receive individualized support and resources that continue throughout Residency training and into the Alumni Network, including:

TWM’s AmeriCorps Professional Corps Program: As a TWM Resident you will also serve as a Member of TWM’s Professional Corps AmeriCorps Program. TWM AmeriCorps members (ACM) build on strategies learned in the Residency to put Culturally Responsive and Antiracist Teaching (CRT) into practice in the classroom and guide students through a service learning project that promotes student agency and community engagement. Members are also eligible for the Segal Education Award valued at $6,895.

In addition, through a partnership with American International College and as AmeriCorps members, Residents can transfer their TWM course credits using their Segal Award and earn a master’s degree by taking just a few more courses.

Qualifications to Become a TWM Resident

You Must 

We’re Seeking

Teach Western Mass does not discriminate: we're committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, our services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation during the Recruitment process and/or during your Residency and/or AmeriCorps Service, please contact us at recruitment@teachwesternmass.com

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