Program Overview

Our Why and Program Goals

The Rural Teacher Residency supports the Teacher Development, Economic Development, and Human Capital for the communities of Firebaugh-Las Deltas, Kerman, Mendota,  Golden Plains, Laton, Fowler, and Kings Canyon Unified in an “equity in action” model, providing the essential elements for long-term sustainable educational effectiveness and generating highly qualified teachers in some of California’s most rural communities.

The one-year model provides an opportunity for the rural residents to earn a Multiple Subject Credential with a culturally sustaining mindset for the communities they serve, and the option of a Bilingual Authorization Certificate in Spanish to be day-one ready to work in dual language immersion programs. The program’s goal is to recruit, retain and support a teacher workforce that reflects the community demographics in those respective geographic areas within Fresno County and support them by providing equity-driven professional development and mentor teachers.

Residency Characteristics:

  • Strong district/university partnerships
  • Coursework about teaching and learning tightly integrated with clinical practice
  • Full-year residency teaching alongside an expert mentor teacher
  • High-ability, diverse candidates recruited to meet specific district hiring needs, typically in fields where there are shortages
  • Financial support for residents in exchange for a three-to five-year teaching commitment
  • Cohorts of residents placed in “teaching schools” that model good practices with diverse learners and are designed to help novices learn to teach
  • Expert mentor teachers who co-teach with residents
  • Ongoing mentoring and support for graduates

Program Recruitment

Participants are recruited who have obtained their bachelor’s degree within and around the communities of our partnering districts. We work alongside California Teaching Fellows as a recruitment partner. Starting in January, interested applicants apply to the Fresno State Multiple Subjects credential program. If chosen, residents will be placed at one of the partnering sites and will engage in a one-year program of course work and field experience, along with support from a mentor teacher and wrap-around supports from the university and FCSS. Upon successful completion of the program, the residents receive a preliminary credential and preferential hiring opportunities. They then enter our Teacher Induction program, where they are further supported by FCSS until they clear their credential.  

Program Partnerships

The current Rural Consortium is comprised of:

  • Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
  • California State University, Fresno 
  • California Teaching Fellows Foundation
  • Kerman Unified School District 
  • Golden Plains Unified School District 
  • Firebaugh Las Deltas Unified School District 
  • Mendota Unified School District 

Partnership Sites

Our four West Fresno rural districts host 20 rural residents per year across 10 elementary schools. Our residents are currently placed at the the following school sites:

  • Kerman Unified
    • Kerman-Floyd Elementary School
    • Liberty Elementary School
    • Sun Empire Elementary School
  • Golden Plains Unified
    • San Joaquin Elementary School
    • Tranquility Elementary School
  • Firebaugh Unified 
    • H.M. Bailey Elementary School
    • A.E. Mills Elementary School
  • Mendota Unified
    • Washington Elementary School
    • McCabe Elementary School
    • Mendota Elementary School

Interested in learning more?

  • If you are interested in learning more about our Resident Candidates, click here!
  • If you are interested in learning more about our District Leadership, click here!