CSUSM to Partner With San Marcos Unified on Teacher Residency Program

Cal State San Marcos’ School of Education this fall will begin a four-year partnership with the San Marcos Unified School District through which the university’s teacher candidates will train as residents in district schools.

The partnership, which is being funded by a grant of more than $2 million that San Marcos Unified received from the California Department of Education, is titled San Marcos Teacher Residency (SMaTR).

Modeled after medical residencies, the program will involve CSUSM teacher candidates spending a full year as co-teachers in a classroom with mentor teachers while completing coursework in a credential program. The residents also will participate in professional development and essentially complete the first year of induction.

“Residencies are a wonderful opportunity to attract and support diverse candidates in high-need teaching disciplines,” said Laurie Stowell, director of CSUSM’s School of Education. “We appreciate the partnership with San Marcos Unified, which has always been supportive of our teacher candidates and hiring our graduates. It is a mutually beneficial partnership, and we look forward to learning with and from them.”

The School of Education recently completed the selection process for the first year, and 23 residents were chosen. There will be 20-25 each year, or 80-100 total over the full period. Each resident will receive a $10,000 stipend and an extra $1,000 for testing and credential fees.

Additionally, CSUSM will receive eight $5,000 scholarships for selected residents from a CSU Chancellor’s Office grant.

SMaTR is designed for diverse teacher candidates in high-need areas: special education, bilingual candidates for dual immersion in elementary classrooms, STEM in middle and high school, and a few elementary teachers. 

Residents are guaranteed an interview with San Marcos Unified upon successful completion of their credential requirements.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306