What are TR@TC's Four Instructional Pillars?
TR@TC's structure is guided by four instructional pillars that intentionally foster teaching practices integral to becoming an inclusive educator.
STEM+C Literacy and Enrichment
Designed to build a working knowledge base in STEM+C (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science) subjects critical gatekeepers for career readiness and college entry. TR@TC is fortunate to collaborate with institutions that offer a myriad of resources in this area that enhance the learning experiences for Teaching Residents and their students.
Instructional Technologies and Assistive Technologies
This pillar is designed to engage Teaching Residents in thinking about and experimenting with how new media, digital tools, and various hard- and software can be used to support and extend (but not supplant) curriculum.
Universal Design for Learning and Inclusive Curriculum
This pillar is designed to equip Teaching Residents with the skills needed to use content knowledge to:
- Design and implement high quality, rigorous and content-rich curriculum;
- Use formative, varied and authentic assessments to continuously gather evidence about students' understanding and progress to make instructional adjustments that address gaps and support their learning;
- Ensure multiple access points into the academic curriculum so that Teaching Residents can support all learners to meet high standards;
- Differentiate instruction through adaptations and modifications designed to meet the needs of English language learners and students with disabilities.
Co-Teaching and Co-Planning Across Content Areas, Special Education, and TESOL
This pillar is designed to assist Teaching Residents in developing collaborative habits necessary for teachers preparing to work in inclusive settings. This process includes opportunities to co-plan and co-teach with a Mentor Teacher for a full school year and peers in the residency cohort.