Interested in Partnering with CWU?
Develop Your Own Pipeline of Future Teachers
Is your school district interested in developing a Grow Your Own teacher preparation pathway? Central Washington University's MAT Teacher Residency Pathway offers school districts an opportunity to partner with CWU to prepare future teachers who are already connected to their schools and communities.
Through a collaborative university-district partnership, districts help identify potential teacher residents, select mentor teachers, and shape internship experiences that reflect local workforce needs and school priorities.
What Does a Partnership Involve?
Participating districts collaborate with CWU in several important areas:
Recruitment and Selection
Districts identify and recommend prospective teacher residents who demonstrate the potential to become effective educators in their communities.
Mentor Teacher Selection
District partners identify experienced teachers who are interested in mentoring and supporting a future educator.
Internship Development
Districts collaborate with CWU to develop progressive, yearlong co-teaching experiences that provide residents with meaningful opportunities to learn and practice teaching.
Ongoing Collaboration
District representatives work with CWU faculty and field supervisors to support residents' professional growth and ensure that internship experiences align with Pathway expectations and district needs.
What Does CWU Provide?
CWU provides the university-based academic preparation, Pathway coordination, and field supervision necessary to support residents throughout their preparation.
Pathway support includes:
- Graduate-level coursework leading to a master's degree and teaching certification.
- Coordination and oversight of the teacher residency experience.
- Dedicated field supervision and support.
- Financial support for eligible teacher residents.
- Compensation for participating mentor teachers.
- Collaboration with district partners throughout the residency.
How Do We Get Started?
Establishing a partnership begins with a conversation about your district's needs and goals.
CWU will work with interested districts to explore potential residency opportunities, identify endorsement areas, discuss recruitment and placement capacity, and develop a partnership structure that supports both the district and the university.
Interested in exploring a partnership?
Contact Dr. Maria Hays, CWU Assistant Professor and MAT Pathway Coordinator, at MATPathway@cwu.edu, to schedule an initial conversation.
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