MTR Residency
Equal Education Matters
About the Residency
MTR recruits, trains, and supports effective teachers.
Educational inequality is one of the greatest human and Civil Rights issues in America today. Memphis Teacher Residency (MTR) is a faith-based, non-profit organization founded in 2009 to recruit, train, and support effective teachers in a Christian context. Residents are college graduates invited to train with a mentor teacher, receive coaching, and participate in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) coursework through Christian Brothers University (tuition provided). Upon graduating from the program, residents agree to teach in Memphis under-resourced schools for three additional years.
Residency Results
90%
of graduates complete their 3-year teaching commitment
(Classes of 2012-2020, as of May 2023)
89%
of residents graduate and complete residency year
(Classes of 2010-2023)
5 years
median graduate career in Memphis high-need education
(Serving in a teacher, school leader or other K-12 role)
Program Benefits
Master’s Degree
Earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) through Lipscomb University
Internship
Intensive classroom experience under mentor supervision
Community
Foster personal and professional relationships through intentional events and shared housing
Commitment
Strategic staffing strategy for 3-year teaching commitment following residency year
Licensing
State of Tennessee Educator License
Coaching
Staffing and coaching support throughout 4-year program
Financial Benefits
Living Stipend
$15,600 stipend for the residency year
Tuition
100% of Master’s degree tuition covered by AmeriCorps or other programs
Housing Stipend
Housing provided during residency year at Parcels at Concourse
Salary
Average $55K+ starting salary upon graduation
Loan Forgiveness
Eligibility for multiple student loan forgiveness programs
Cost of Living
With one of the lowest costs of living in the U.S., your salary goes further in Memphis
Content Areas
Elementary Education
Secondary English
Secondary Math
Secondary Biology
Secondary Chemistry
Secondary Physics
Secondary History
K-12 ESL
Residency Program at a Glance
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Recruitment
Apply
To apply, you will need any undergraduate Bachelor’s degree or anticipated graduation prior to the start of the residency year with a minimum 2.75 GPA. We are looking for key qualities of being a driver, leader, learner, and servant that is aligned with our mission and vision.
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Residency Year
Year 1
You will earn a Master’s Degree and State of Tennessee Educator License (tuition provided) while completing an internship in a partner school under mentor supervision. You will receive a monthly living stipend and free housing at Crosstown Concourse.
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MTR Grad
Years 2-4
Graduates of the residency will receive job placement support in an MTR partner school and will receive continued MTR instructional coaching during their three-year commitment. Professional development will be offered through MTR University along with access to classroom resources and participation in MTR community events.
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MTR Alum
Years 5+
Upon completion of your three-year commitment, there will still be opportunities to continue teaching in Memphis schools as well as serve as an MTR mentor teacher. On-going professional development and access to classroom resources and community events are available.
