Please note that DTR will continue to update the FAQ section with common questions it receives. Please check our site routinely for continual updates. If the specific question you are inquiring about is not addressed below, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly at info@dallastr.org.
How do I apply and what is the application process?
See the Apply Now section of our website in order to learn about how to apply, eligibility requirements, and application timelines. This section will also contain a checklist for interested applicants outlining each step of the application process. The first step of the application process in to fill-out and submit the resident questionnaire. Once submitted, all applicants will receive an email outlining the next steps of the application process.
The application deadline for the fall 2015 cohort is May 1st. All materials must be received by this date in order to be considered for this cohort. Applicants will be reviewed by the DTR Admissions Committee on a rolling basis until the application deadline date. Applicants will be informed if they have been invited to attend one of the two DTR final selection days, which will take place at the end of March and again in the middle of May. Selection day is a full day event where selected applicants will teach a mini-lesson, engage in group case studies, complete a writing assessment, and participate in a full interview with members from the DTR Admissions Committee. Specific selection dates will be chosen in the near future and will be posted on the website in early March.
In addition, all program residents are encouraged to take the Pre-Admissions Content Test (PACT) at the earliest possible date, as successfully passing this exam will be a requirement for acceptance into the program. The test is offered electronically, and is offered most days at testing areas throughout Texas. For more information on this exam please see the TEA website
What are the minimum qualifications to apply?
In order to be eligible for the fall 2015 DTR cohort, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident, and hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree prior to the start of the program. Since program graduates will also be taking graduate level course-work at the University of North Dallas-Texas, program residents must also meet their minimum overall GPA requirement for graduate level coursework of 3.0.
There are additional requirements needed in order to apply for the program, however the above, represent requirements that are non-negotiable. For the full scope of the necessary materials for both the application and admissions process, please click here to apply now.
When does the 2015-2016 program begin and end?
The first DTR cohort will begin their Teacher Residency in June of 2015. Program residents will begin their university coursework in the summer of 2015 and begin their actual field experience in an urban classroom in late August, coinciding with the beginning of the academic school year. The field experience apprenticeship will last the duration of the academic year, while university coursework will be complete by the following summer of 2016. Following successful completion of the program, DTR will work with program residents to place them in full time teaching positions in Dallas Independent School District schools. Program residents will commit to teaching at least 4 years at these schools and will continue to be provided with on-going support from DTR during this time.
What does a program resident schedule look like?
The DTR teacher preparation program is 14-months, beginning in June and ending in July of the following summer. Program residents will partake in a full-year teaching residency in an urban school for the duration of the academic school year. Residents will spend all day Monday-Thursday in their schools with their mentor teachers. In addition, program residents will take graduate level coursework throughout the entirety of the 14 month program. During the summer months, graduate coursework will typically be held Monday-Friday, while during the academic school year, residents will have one course per week, typically on Fridays or in the evenings.
DTR observes all Dallas Independent School District holidays, and program residents are not in schools or taking graduate coursework on these days.
How do DTR graduates obtain teaching positions within Dallas Independent Schools after the program?
Upon successful completion of the DTR program, program graduates will be in a very competitive position to receive full time teaching jobs within the Dallas school district, and more specifically, the very schools in which they completed their residency-year with their mentor teacher. DTR will work with building principals in addition to the district human capital management office to identify vacancies and to ensure that all resident graduates are well-positioned to be hired upon program completion. Please note that all program graduates will go through the standard district interview process designed for all new teachers interested in teaching in Dallas schools. Once hired, please note that program graduates are employees of the district and not of DTR. DTR will continue to provide on-going support to graduates, however have no input in program graduate evaluation or employment decisions.
Must I commit to teaching in a Dallas Independent School? For how long?
By becoming a DTR program resident, all residents commit to teach 4 years in a Dallas Independent School District classroom following the completion of their residency year. DTR anticipates that program graduates will stay in teaching, and in the education field beyond this minimum commitment, taking on leadership roles and servings as powerful change agents within the schools they are working in.
In exchange for their commitment to teaching in the district, DTR residents will be eligible for tuition & loan forgiveness that may have been accumulated to assist with graduate tuition costs. Upon acceptance, DTR will work closely with program residents to ensure that each resident is made aware of the financial support that is available.
What is the process for applying to UNT-Dallas?
Each program applicant will need to apply to the University of North Texas at Dallas graduate school. Access and information about the UNT-Dallas graduate school application process and admissions requirements can be found here.
DTR is working with UNT-Dallas in an effort to streamline the application process so that resident applicants are not duplicating their efforts during any of the stages of the application process. The DTR Application Committee will consist of individuals from both DTR and UNT-Dallas.
How will I be matched with my mentor teacher?
There is a comprehensive mentor/resident matching process which takes place in the spring/early summer where both resident and mentor will have time to meet and identify potential partners. DTR works closely with district principals of selected district schools in order to identify mentor teachers that have the unique skill-set and experience necessary to succeed as a mentor teacher. There are a number of dispositions and skills which DTR and district principals will look to identify in their selection of mentor teachers, specifically: their ability and willingness to coach others, their commitment to teaching, their ability to demonstrate academic gains in their classroom, and a desire to partake in ongoing professional learning. Mentor teachers receive ongoing training and support through the program to enhance and build upon their own coaching and mentoring skills.
Am I eligible for DTR if I already have a teaching license (from Texas or from another state)?
You are eligible to apply for the DTR program if you already have a teaching license from Texas, or from another state. During the application process, you will need to submit all proof of certification to the University of North Texas-Dallas for review.
For additional information specifically related to teacher certification in Texas, please go to the TEA website.
Do I have to be a Texas resident to be eligible for Dallas Teacher Residency?
No. Acceptance into DTR is not limited to Texas residents. However, program residents will live in Texas, and more specifically, the Dallas-Fort/Worth area during their residency year. Additionally, most program residents choose to remain in the Dallas area, or in close proximity following their resident year, due to the fact that they are committed to teaching in Dallas Independent Schools for 4 years after their resident year.
Does DTR provide housing for program residents?
At this time, DTR does not provide housing for program residents. DTR is available for advice and assistance with questions pertaining to housing and transportation.
How can I learn more about the Dallas Teacher Residency Program?
Whether you are an individual interested in becoming a program resident, or simply someone interested in education and teacher preparation, there are a number of ways to learn more about our program. You can follow our program on our Facebook and Twitter pages, in addition to following our blog. In the near future, our first cohort of program residents will be sharing their experiences about the program through the blog. There will also be several information sessions and DTR university campus visits throughout the calendar year. Information and dates of regarding these events can be found in the Upcoming Events section of our website. If you are interested in becoming a program resident, please fill out our program resident questionnaire, which will provide you with additional information regarding the full application process. We also encourage you to sign-up for email updates on our website to ensure that you are informed of our events, program progress and updates, and recent news related to education reform and teacher education.
Who do I contact if I have questions about DTR or the application process?
After reviewing the information provided on our website and you continue to have additional questions regarding any aspect of our program components, or the application process, please do not hesitate to send us an email at info@dallastr.org. Thank you for your interest in the DTR program.
