The Philadelphia Teacher Residency (PTR) program is a teacher preparation program to retool science, technology, engineering and math [STEM] professionals to teach math and science in Philadelphia schools. For a full school year, program participants (Residents) will learn in a teaching internship at the elbow of veteran teachers in high school classrooms.

At the same time, they will take coursework at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education to earn both a Master's Degree as well as Pennsylvania teacher certification. Contingent upon the availability of funds, Residents receive tuition supplement and a living stipend to support their full-time training.

After the year-long internship, Residents teach in the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) for at least three years after the residency training year and obtain a hiring commitment from the SDP to do so. For the graduated Resident's first three years as a full-time teacher of record, PTR provides ongoing professional development activities.

 PTR is singularly focused on the thorough preparation of math and science teachers for Philadelphia's high-need public schools. The first year of solo teaching can be intimidating for any teacher. But by the time Residents begin a school year in their own classroom, they already have a year of experience, a thorough understanding of the challenges that lie ahead, and an ongoing support network.

Eligible candidates must have:

• Keen interest in teaching in Philadelphia public schools for at least three years

• A bachelor's degree in mathematics, engineering, physics or chemistry (of the equivalent number of courses)
• A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0  from an accredited college or university

• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status

• Passing scores on the required Praxis Exams
  (Interested candidates are encouraged to apply even if they have not yet taken these exams. However, candidates must pass the exams before in order to complete the Residency program, obtain Instructional I certification or obtain a hiring commitment from the School District of Philadelphia.)