About Us

This site is for use by current and former UBTR Residents, Mentor Teachers, and CECs. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about or joining the residency program please direct them to our UB website: https://ed.buffalo.edu/residency.html .

About the Program

Our one-year, paid residency program is designed for those interested in pursuing initial and/or initial/professional certification in childhood, early childhood, English for speakers of other languages, adolescence education, math, science, world languages. Through the residency year, you will complete rigorous coursework while co-teaching alongside a mentor teacher. Merging theory and practice, you will be equipped with the skill-set necessary to thrive in meeting the varied needs of diverse students. Placements are in WNY public and charter schools.

Mission

UB’s teacher education programs prioritize authentic relationships with students, families, teachers, schools, and communities to advance inclusive, culturally sustaining, evidence-based practices. We prepare educators committed to cultivating knowledge through critical inquiry and reflective practice.

Vision

UB’s teacher education programs strive to create pathways to equitable, just futures through a critical approach to collaboration, persistence, care, and joy.

Our Mission

UBTR Core Values

Asset-based, Responsive Pedagogies

We approach students with a focus on their many skills, knowledges, and ways of knowing and we tailor instruction to build on those strengths. We value community knowledge and collaborate with families and communities to inform curriculum.

Inquiry and Adaptability

We ask questions and seek out evidence-based strategies that make content more accessible to students. When something isn’t working, we change course.

Urgency and Persistence

We recognize that every minute of instruction is an opportunity to engage students in learning. We do not give up when confronted with a challenge and persist in advocating for and working toward justice.

Reflective Ownership

We reflect on our own practice and seek always to improve. We acknowledge our responsibility to students and effective instruction.

Critically Conscious Purpose & Advocacy

We understand that we work within systems where resources are not equally accessible to members of all social groups. We reflect on our own positions and act strategically to disrupt social injustice.

Joy

While honoring the historical and present challenges that inequitable structures and systems present for minoritized communities, we approach students and our classrooms with enthusiasm and care. We seek to inspire curiosity and provide space for people to engage with new ideas in ways that promote personal happiness amidst our continued pursuit of justice.

Goals

The Teacher Residency Program aims to collaboratively prepare and sustain skilled, diverse teachers to effectively serve the varied needs of historically marginalized students, families and school communities. Upon completion, residents will be adept, culturally proficient, transformational teachers who foster positive academic and social-emotional change in urban classrooms. Additionally, the residency program will:

Diversify our local teaching community

Increase the number of teachers who stay in the teaching profession for at least five years

Increase the number of learner-ready teachers