Washington's unique teacher residency program expands to support special education educators

The Mukilteo School District's Regular School Board meeting on April 21, 2025, highlighted the innovative Teacher Residency Program, a unique initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of special education teachers. This program, which has evolved from its original design, is now recognized as the first union-led teacher development program in the nation, focusing on training educators by educators.

Dr. Brennelson, a key speaker at the meeting, emphasized the program's commitment to diversity and equity, aiming to recruit a teaching workforce that reflects the demographics of the student body. Over the past two years, the program has successfully trained approximately 20 special education teachers and 10 educational staff associates annually, filling essential roles within the district.

The residency program is structured to provide comprehensive support to participants, including mentorship from experienced teachers and exposure to various educational settings. Residents engage in rigorous coursework while gaining hands-on experience in classrooms, ensuring they are well-prepared for their teaching careers. Notably, the program has been extended to 18 months to accommodate the necessary 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, allowing for deeper immersion in teaching practices.

Funding for the program comes from a combination of district contributions, state funding, and grants, with residents responsible for a portion of the tuition, currently set at $5,000. This financial model aims to make the program accessible while ensuring participants have a vested interest in their education.

As the district prepares to recruit for the next cohort, the success of the Teacher Residency Program stands as a testament to the Mukilteo School District's commitment to enhancing educational quality and addressing the pressing need for qualified special education teachers. The anticipated outcomes include not only a more diverse teaching staff but also improved educational experiences for students across the district.