Louisville Teacher Residency Program: M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education (5-9)

Louisville Teacher Residency Program LogoHave you always wanted to be a teacher? Are you looking for a new or second career in teaching? If so, the Louisville Teacher Residency (LTR) program could be the next career path for you! The LTR is a program designed to produce a diverse cadre of quality teachers. Residents are enrolled in a one-year Master of the Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program at the University of Louisville, as well as, employed with JCPS as a resident. Participants receive personalized instruction throughout the process to help them succeed in JCPS classrooms. In return, LTR graduates commit to teach in accelerated improvement schools (AIS) for five years.

JCPS in conjunction with the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville offers the LTR program for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree in an area other than teacher education. The program is designed to incorporate Kentucky teacher certification requirements within a Master's degree program.

For candidates who have some experience in a school setting and/or working with children and adolescents, the LTR program may be an option. This program is designed for aspiring teachers with extensive coursework in the content area in which they are seeking certification.

Who should apply?
We are looking for candidates who are committed to working in one of JCPS’s accelerated improvement schools (AIS). Minimum program requirements include: bachelor’s degree conferred by the program’s start in June, a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 30 hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework, and authorization to work in the United States.

The Louisville Teacher Residency program offers the following certification options:

  • Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (Birth - K)
  • Elementary Education (P - 5th grade)
  • Middle Grades (5th - 9th grade): Language Arts, Science, Math, or Social Studies
  • Secondary (8th - 12th grade): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies.
  • Special Education (P - 12th grade): Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD) and Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD)
  • World Languages (P - 12th grade): French and Spanish

The program allows qualified candidates the opportunity to work in paid, support teaching and learning positions matched with a highly qualified mentor teachers in high-need content areas and grade levels, while earning certification and the MAT within a one-year period. Admission occurs once each year, and the program courses start each summer.

If you are interested in this program please see our upcoming information sessions.

Learn more about the Louisville Teacher Residency Program

Learn more about the Application Guidelines

MAT Program Benefits

  • CAEP accredited program. For information on program accreditation click here.
  • Student support services in advising, admission and certification
  • First-year students work as a cohort through University coursework
  • Urban mission with focus on social justice and equity
  • Dedicated faculty researchers and practitioners
  • Simultaneous degree and certification
  • Partnership with local school districts
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Testing support

Helpful Links

Some applicants may be required to complete prerequisite courses. Applicants are required to have a completed transcript evaluation through Phase 1 of the JCPS application process prior to admission.

Phase I application guidelines can be found under the overview tab.

Applicants who have attended a college or university outside of the United States are also required to submit an evaluation of their transcript through either WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). Please note that transcript evaluations can sometimes take several weeks.

For the University of Louisville application process, candidates to initial teacher certification programs are required to submit credentials supporting their academic ability, creativity and collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills, positive disposition, and commitment to the teaching profession. These credentials include transcripts, writing samples, and letters of recommendation which support the candidate's ability to succeed in a rigorous teacher education program. Competitive candidates will be invited for a formal interview during Phase II of the application process.

This program is open to all eligible candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.

Candidates for admission should review the following which outline the expectations of the teaching profession:

  1. Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Personnel [PDF]
  2. CEHD Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement [PDF]
  3. Character and Fitness Questionnaire [PDF]
  4. Professional Dispositions Rubric [PDF]
  5. Diversity Rubric [PDF]
  6. Effective Written Communication Rubric [PDF]

Application Process

Questions about the application should be directed to teacher@louisville.edu. Candidates will be notified via e-mail regarding the admission decision no later than six weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who are selected for admission will receive information about a mandatory orientation session.

  • Phase I—All applicants must have the following:
    • A complete application for the Louisville Teacher Residency position at www.jcpsky.net/employment.html. Questions about the JCPS application should be directed to louisvilleteacherresidency@jefferson.kyschools.us. The following items must be submitted for the application to be considered complete:
      • Resumé - Follow the resumé template attached to the JCPS job list posting.
      • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities attended uploaded to your application.
      • Two-minute video telling us about you, what grade/subject area you would like to teach, and why you would like to become a teacher.
  • Phase II—Candidates selected to proceed to phase II will receive explicit instructions outlining program expectations.
    • Interview (Face-to-face or Virtual)
  • Phase III—Candidates selected to proceed to phase III will receive explicit instructions outlining program expectations.
    • Apply to the University of Louisville College of Education
    • Professional Writing Essays
    • Three (3) professional reference letters
    • Official transcripts to JCPS and the University of Louisville
  • Phase IV—Candidates selected to proceed to phase IV will receive explicit instructions outlining program expectations.
    • Group interview with cohort members and program coaches
    • JCPS background check
  • LTR Application Process Link:

Application

Questions about the College of Education application should be directed to Dr. Stefanie Wooten-Burnett, stefanie.wootenburnett@louisville.edu, or Mr. Brandon Gossett, brandon.gossett@louisville.edu. Candidates will be notified via e-mail regarding the admission decision no later than three (3) weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who are selected for admission will receive information about a mandatory orientation session that will occur the last week of May.

Application Deadline: April 15th

Please note: If the application deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, we will accept the admission portfolio on the Monday after the deadline by 5:00 p.m.

Admission Criteria

Candidates who meet the following criteria may be eligible to apply to the LTR program. Candidates considering application to the LTR program must complete Phase I & II of the JCPS application process. Admission is competitive and candidates who meet minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.

  1. Application to Graduate School/MAT Program. This should be completed three to four weeks prior to the application deadline.
  2. Bachelor's Degree from Accredited College or University with a Minimum 2.75 Grade Point Average (official transcripts required)
  3. Prerequisite Course Requirements
  4. Oral Communication Proficiency
  5. Written Communication Proficiency
  6. TOEFL
  7. Professional Writing Requirements
  8. Letters of Recommendation

Contact Us

Individuals interested in the LTR program should contact representative from JCPS and/or the College of Education & Human Development BEFORE applying to the teacher education program.

Department Contact

Stefanie Wooten-Burnett
College of Education and Human Development
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-8053

Careers

What happens after graduation? Upon graduation, you will begin your career as a master’s degree-level teacher and you will gain access to the following benefits:

  • Prioritized employment within JCPS at the elementary level
  • Master's degree-level salary (approximately $50,000)
  • Ongoing coaching and support

General Information

For general information on financial aid resources, please visit the University of Louisville's Student Financial Aid office. The College of Education and Human Development has its own web page dedicated to financial aid that contains some extra information not listed here.

College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) Scholarship

The CEHD has a long history of offering scholarships to prospective and current students pursuing an education degree program. The CEHD provides over $225,000 annually and selects recipients three times per year. Scholarship selection is competitive and applies to tuition only. Apply online for a CEHD Scholarship before the deadline (April 15th, June 1st and/or October 15th). Applicants should expect notification in four to five weeks after the posted deadline.

Class Act Federal Credit Union Scholarship for Louisville Teacher Residency

The University of Louisville and Jefferson County Public School system are working in collaboration on the creation and development of the Louisville Teacher Residency program. The objective of the program, the first of its kind in Kentucky, is to increase the pool of diverse, highly-skilled teachers, particularly in low-performing, urban schools.

The Class Act Federal Credit Union Scholarship offers an award of $1000 per semester for one year of the LTR program (Summer, Fall, Spring = $3000). Selected recipients receive the scholarship for all three terms pending successful progression in the program and meeting eligibility requirements listed below.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

College of Education & Human Development FAQ's

How long does it take to complete the MAT program?

The LTR program is full-time and you complete the program in 4 consecutive semesters.

Where are courses being delivered?

The courses are delivered predominantly in the College of Education and Human Development on Belknap Campus and/or in a local JCPS school in the late afternoon (4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) during the week during Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters. Also, candidates will have classes on Friday's during the day.


JCPS FAQ's

Will this program lead to teacher certification?

Yes, after successfully completing the program requirements and passing national PRAXIS exams, a graduate will be certified to teach in the 5th - 8th grade setting in Kentucky.

What scholarships opportunities are available?

Residents are eligible for scholarship opportunities, such as the Kentucky Academy of Equity in Teaching (KAET) and additional financial aid opportunities at the University of Louisville.

What salary will I earn after the residency year?

After completing a successful residency year and hiring process, graduating residents will be employed as JCPS teachers. As of the 2019-20 school year, the starting salary for a JCPS master’s degree-level teacher was $48,944.20, plus a pension and other benefits. This is more than $5,800 higher than the starting salary for a JCPS teacher without a master’s degree.

What is my commitment to the residency following graduation?

LTR is designed to create a pipeline of talented, specially-trained teachers to fill positions in AIS schools. When you join our program, you will sign an agreement committing to teach in an AIS school within JCPS for a minimum of five years after graduation. If you are unable to meet your commitment, you will be required to repay all or a portion of the stipend you received during your training year ($30,000 for most residents). If a resident is not placed in an JCPS school upon graduation, becomes disabled, or if there are other special circumstances, JCPS will be flexible about repayment expectations on a case-by-case basis.

Am I guaranteed to have a teaching job after graduating from this program?

Placing LTR graduates in AIS schools is part of our mission. However, JCPS does not mandate principals to hire resident teachers. We recognize the many factors that impact hiring decisions, so placement is not guaranteed. If a resident is not placed in an AIS school, our team will provide assistance to find positions in high-needs JCPS schools.