MTR Residency

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We want YOU to come visit and get to know MTR! Grab a friend and come on over!

    It might be tough to envision what being an MTR resident would look and feel like without ever actually stepping foot on our property. Visiting MTR is an essential step in your decision-making process, and we are committed to providing you with a comprehensive and informative experience.

    Please sign up for a time here. We look forward to welcoming you and answering any of your questions.

  • Nope! Any graduate of an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree and 2.75 undergraduate GPA is eligible to apply for Memphis Teacher Residency.

  • Residents are required to have US Citizenship or Permanent Residency, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, and a Bachelor’s degree by the start of the residency year.

  • There are three stages in the application process for MTR:

    1. Online application

    2. Video Interview

    3. Virtual Selection (invitation only)

  • The selection process is competitive with multiple stages of review and interaction from application to offers. We are looking for outstanding people who have the desire and potential to be effective teachers in Memphis’ high-need schools.

  • Yes. For the Elementary Education cohort, residents are required to pass the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge Praxis exam. For the Secondary Education cohort, residents are required to pass the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam required for the specific content area. Please see our Praxis page for test names and codes and information on registration.

  • If you already have a teaching license in another state you are still eligible and encouraged to apply for MTR! The State of Tennessee Department of Education offers reciprocity with most states. MTR requires all residents to secure a TN State Teaching license through the reciprocal process prior to enrolling in MTR. Regardless of your license status, all MTR applicants will be required to take and pass all required Praxis exams for the State of Tennessee. All forms for out-of-state licensure are available online. Talk to your recruiter for more information.

  • MTR's Virtual Selection is the final component of the application process and is mandatory in order to be considered for the residency. We host three (one for each application window). 

    Virtual Selections consist of a launch call before Selection Day that helps you get to know our program from MTR staff and teachers. The Selection Day consists of a real-time interview and a writing sample. In addition, candidates must submit a teaching sample prior to their Virtual Selection.

“What does a day in the life of a resident look like?”