Current Programs 2026-2027
The 2026-2027 Teacher Residency Program application period will open on November 7 and be available through January 10, 2026.
All teachers must complete testing requirements established by the Tennessee Department of Education, which may include edTPA, Praxis, National Evaluation Series, etc.
Lipscomb Teacher Residency (LTR)
Applicants: CMCSS Classified Employees and Community Members
Training Model: 2 year program
Earn a Master’s Degree in Education, Teaching Certification, and Licensure. (A previously earned Bachelor’s degree is required.)
Dual Certification: Elementary and Special Education through Lipscomb University.
Year 1: Teacher Residents will work and be compensated as a CMCSS Teacher Resident in a CMCSS Title I elementary school while taking education courses through Lipscomb University. Through this experience, Residents will receive on-the-job training and mentoring with a highly qualified teacher.
Year 2: Teacher Residents will be placed in a CMCSS classroom as a teacher with a job-embedded license while continuing to complete full licensure requirements. (Beginning teacher’s salary will be earned in year two.)
Lipscomb Middle Teacher Residency (LMTR)
Applicants: CMCSS Classified Employees and Community Members
Training Model: 1-2 year program
One year for certification or two years for a Master’s Degree
All selected residents will have the option to earn a teaching certificate or a Master’s Degree
Certification: Middle grades or Secondary certification in Math or English/Language Arts.
Year 1: Teacher Residents will work and be compensated as a CMCSS Teacher Resident in a CMCSS Title I middle school while taking education courses through Lipscomb University. Through this experience, you will receive on-the-job training and mentoring with a highly qualified mentor teacher.
Master’s Degree Option: Year 2: Teacher Residents will be placed in a CMCSS classroom as a teacher with a job-embedded license while continuing to complete full licensure requirements. (Beginning teacher’s salary will be earned in year two.)
Elementary Middle Teacher Residency with Nashville State Community College and Austin Peay State University (EMTR)
Applicants: CMCSS Classified Employees, Community Members, and High School Seniors
Training Model: 3-year program
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Teaching Certification (High School Diploma is required.)
Teacher Residents will work and be compensated as a CMCSS Teacher Resident in a CMCSS Title I elementary school for three years. Residents will earn an Associate’s Degree in Education through Nashville State Community College in Clarksville, TN, and then transfer to Austin Peay State University to complete a Bachelor’s Degree. Through this experience, those selected will receive on-the-job training and mentoring with a highly qualified teacher.
Three-year Bachelor’s Degree Pathway options:
Elementary: Special Education Interventionist K-8 License, K-5 General Education Endorsement. First two years general education placement with MCL, third year placed with a special education interventionist.
Middle: Special Education Interventionist 6-12 license, potential to add 6-8 gen ed endorsements via content Praxis assessments. First two years general education placement with PMT (flexible), third year placement with a special education interventionist.
How to Apply
The 2026-2027 Teacher Residency Program application period will open on November 7 and be available through January 10, 2026.
Questions regarding the Teacher Residency Program application process can be sent to [email protected].