Teacher Residency Home
Preparing Exceptional Educators for Today’s Classrooms
San Marcos Unified School District is proud to announce the San Marcos Teacher Residency Program (SMaTR) has partnered with California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and National University (NU). SMaTR is a high-quality teacher preparation program that is dedicated to preparing resident teacher candidates. Residents from selective CSUSM and National University credential programs will be paired with a highly skilled mentor teacher(s) for one year in San Marcos Unified School District with whom residents will co-plan, teach alongside, and engage in reflective discussions. Mentors will attend training throughout the year to provide the best coaching support. Resident and mentor experiences will be monitored throughout the year for added support. Our residents will be trained in the Essential Elements of Instruction, receive a $25,500 stipend plus induction cost support, and priority job interview consideration upon successful completion of the residency program. Research shows that residency programs provide teachers with a strong foundation for success and “exponentially increase the impact effective teachers have on student learning.”
Our Mission & Core Values
Our Mission: To develop diverse, well-trained, future-ready educators positioned to lead the 21st-century education revolution, preparing residents with innovative teaching practices to excel in our global community and to disrupt educational inequities that impact students.
We believe in the value of:
- A Culture of Support
- Collaboration and feedback are the cornerstones of robust support in our cohort communities. To ensure resident job-embedded preparation and development through placement and induction, communication between residents, university supervisors, site leadership, district coordinators, and mentor teachers are authentic and ongoing.
- A Culture of Equity
- Teaching is an act of social justice. In sharpening our residents’ lens of equity, we foster deep reflection, culturally responsive practices, and the evaluation of systems and structures, empowering our residents to close the achievement gap and transform the schools in which they teach.
- A Culture of Innovative and Effective Instruction
- Educational innovations and effective instructional practices improve academic outcomes and address 21st-century needs. Residents will develop advanced research-based practices and train in the Essential Elements of Instruction, a tried and true instructional framework, to promote excellence in our students and qualities we define in SMUSD’s Portrait of a Graduate.
Program Flyers & Information
Review the flyers below to learn more about the San Marcos Teacher Residency Program, including university-specific pathways through CSUSM and NU, eligibility requirements, program benefits, and application timelines.
FAQs
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Schedule
Residents will:
- Attend coursework for the credential program in which they are enrolled.
- Attend a monthly Seminar class which will include professional development and topics to support instruction and program completion.
- Follow the SMUSD calendar when out in the field or clinical practice.
Perks
Residents will:
- Be able to participate in all training and professional development opportunities in the district, including 5 Year One Essential Elements of Instruction (EEI) training.
- Be able to earn additional money substituting and/or tutoring.
- Be offered priority to interview for a teaching position in SMUSD.
- Be offered a $25,500 stipend and induction cost support.
Program Requirements
Residents Will:
- Complete all requirements to enroll in a credential program (pre-requisite classes may be planned for Summer 2026)
- Complete weekly check-in surveys to monitor resident experiences and program improvements.
- Obtain a 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit - Apply for the Emergency 30-day Substitute Teaching Permit through the SD County Office of Education. The SD County Office can guide you through this step in the most efficient way.
- Certificate of Clearance - Apply online for this Certificate of Clearance on the CTC website. If you have a 30-day sub permit issued by CTC, you can skip this step and email your 30-day sub permit to:
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We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 SMUSD Teacher Residency Program through May 2026 (for both National University and CSUSM). We are seeking 20 residents enrolled in the following CSUSM and National University credential programs to become part of the San Marcos Teacher Residency Program cohort: Multiple Subject, Single Subject (particularly Math, Science, Technology, and Engineering candidates), Special Education, and Bilingual Education (Single or Multiple Subject).
After reviewing initial applications, candidates will receive either an offer to interview or a letter of regret. Applicants will be notified of their status by June 2026.
Residents who are selected for the program will attend a mandatory orientation meeting with the Program Manager on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Following orientation, residents will begin working at their assigned site with their mentor teacher on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Please select one of the following to apply:
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If you are interested in the program or have questions, please reach out to Heather Hartzell via email at heather.hartzell@smusd.org or by phone at (760) 290-2993.