Graduates of TR@TC are specifically prepared to work in secondary-level (grades 7-12) settings. Upon completion of the program, they earn an M.A. degree and dual certification. This means that upon graduation, TR@TC alumni are eligible to hold two teacher certifications, enhancing their readiness to enter the classroom as well-prepared first year teachers and competitiveness as they make decisions about potential school positions.
Teaching Residents choose one pathway, among a range of program options, which informs the certifications they will earn as well as their experience while in TR@TC.
TR@TC applicants enter the program through one of several possible points that are dependent on the certifications they desire to earn.
Entry points include:
Intellectual Disability/Autism - Adolescence - Teaching Residents who come into the program through this entry point earn secondary-level (grades 7-12) certifications in Teaching Students with Disabilities plus one content (i.e., biology, chemistry, earth science, English language arts, mathematics, social studies) or specialization (i.e., Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages) area.
Mathematics Education - Teaching Residents who come into the program through this entry point earn secondary-level (grades 7-12) certifications in mathematics plus Teaching Students with Disabilities
Science Education - Teaching Residents who come into the program through this entry point select one science specialization (biology, chemistry, or earth science). They earn secondary-level (grades 7-12) certification in their selected science specialization plus Teaching Students with Disabilities.
Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages - TESOL - Teaching Residents who come into the program through this entry point earn grades K-12 certification in Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages plus secondary-level (grades 7-12) certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities.
TESOL: Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages/Teaching of English - Teaching Residents who come into the program through this entry point earn grades K-12 certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages plus secondary-level (grades 7-12) certification in English Language Arts.
Frequently Asked Question about Program Pathways
Q: I noticed that there are a few program pathway options that lead to the same certifications (e.g., Intellectual Disabilities/Autism + Science Education-Biology or Science Education-Biology + Intellectual Disabilities/Autism). Is there a reason for this? What is the difference in experience between these two options?
A: That's a great question! In situations where there is more than one entry point leading to the same certifications, the main difference is the assignment of your faculty advisor. Regardless of pathway, Teaching Residents who are earning the same certifications take the same classes with each other. If you have questions about which program pathway might be right for you, please contact us at teaching.residents@tc.edu.