Teach Western Mass Residency
Teach Western Mass is the leading resource for early-career educators in Western Massachusetts, serving as a partner for regional schools and more than 11,000 students. We provide the preparation program, ongoing coaching, and practical assistance needed to streamline the path to long-term, successful teaching careers.
The Teach Western Mass Residency is a comprehensive, state-approved, Educator Preparation Program that focuses on licensing and retaining a workforce of teachers who are reflective of student identities and life experiences. Our credentialing program is uniquely customized to the needs of the students, teachers, and the vibrant community of our region. Teach Western Mass challenges the status quo of education, aiming to open pathways for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and antiracist teachers to excel in the classroom and retain high-performing teachers.
In the program, educators learn how to be highly successful, effective teachers while they develop standards-based and culturally-relevant lessons for students. Teachers who complete the program join our Alumni Network, where they continue to develop best teaching practices inclusive of all students and long-term connections in a supportive ecosystem.
Our program provides Residents with a pathway to MA Initial Licensure in English as a Second Language (PreK-6 or 5-12), Special Education <Moderate Disabilities> (PreK-6 or 5-12), or Middle School Mathematics (5-8).
Join Teach Western Mass and be a driving force behind educational equity. Work towards your Initial License in 18 months while teaching full-time.
TWM Black, Latine, and Educators of Color Fellowship
The TWM Black, Latine, and Educators of Color Fellowship (BLEC) aims to enhance the opportunities for early-career teachers to be successful by providing individualized support, financial resources, and access to professional development as part of the TWM Residency. Be the teacher our students deserve in the classroom.
OUR TRAINING
TWM Residents spend 18 months developing foundational teaching techniques in their classroom with personalized training and expert coaches to guide them along the way.
PRACTICE. Master essential teaching skills while you lead your classroom full-time.
COACHING. Learn how to succeed in Western Mass schools with guidance from expert coaches.
COMMUNITY. Join a cohort of inspiring educators on a journey toward advancing your in the classroom.
Together, we’re strengthening the local education workforce by developing powerful teachers reflective of their students’ life experiences and identities.
What We Offer
Earn your Initial Teaching License through the Teach Western Mass Residency in 18 months. The Teach Western Mass Residency is a comprehensive, state-approved, Educator Preparation Program that focuses on licensing and retaining a workforce of teachers who are reflective of student identities and life experiences. Our credentialing program is uniquely customized to the needs of the students, teachers, and the vibrant community of our region. Teach Western Mass challenges the status quo of education, aiming to open pathways for BIPOC and antiracist teachers to excel in the classroom and retain high-performing teachers. Certification is offered in Special Education K-12 (Moderate Disabilities), English as a Second Language K-12, and Middle School Math.
You will receive support from your TWM coach, the Residency team, and a tightly-knit cohort of your peers as you complete your coursework and teaching experience.
Program Tuition
Tuition for the program is $5,000, which may be paid out over 10 or 12 months. Tuition assistance may be available to help you offset the tuition cost.
Qualifications to Become a TWM Resident
You Must
Hold a bachelor’s degree
Meet all legal requirements to work in the United States.
Not have already completed an educator preparation program and/or must not hold a valid Initial or Professional Massachusetts teaching license.
Pass a criminal background check, FBI fingerprinting, and additional background checks required by school partners.
Currently be employed/plan to be employed as an educator of record in Holyoke Public Schools, the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership, Springfield Public Schools, or another regional school district in Hampden/Hampshire county.
We’re Seeking
Candidates who currently teach on an Emergency or Provisional License or a Waiver.
Candidates who promote academic achievement in high-need subject areas (Moderate Disabilities, ESL, and Middle School Math).
Candidates who are inspired by TWM's mission to strengthen the local education workforce by developing powerful teachers reflective of their students’ life experiences and identities.
Teach Western Mass does not discriminate: we’re committed to equal employment and/or program admissions opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, marital or parental status, reprisal, genetic information, military service/veteran status, pregnancy, submission of a complaint, citizenship, or any other class protected by the local state or federal law.
TWM is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation during the Recruitment process and/or during your Residency, please contact us at recruitment@teachwesternmass.com.