Teacher Resident

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential.

We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential. And it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community.

We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Rocketship Public Schools and Loyola Marymount University have created a program that offers aspiring teachers the opportunity to receive high quality teacher training and practice, while also offering the opportunity to earn a teaching certification.

There is also the option to earn a Masters of Arts in Transformative Education in an optional second year through Loyola Marymount University (LMU).  This one year teacher residency is designed for recent graduates and career changers as an innovative pathway into the teaching profession.

Key Benefits of the Teacher Residency:

Earn your teaching certification in one year with our credentialing partner Loyola Marymount University (with the option on a Masters in your second year)

Gain mentorship from experienced educators:

You’ll be paired with an experienced teacher with your same certification and gradually take on more responsibilities in the classroom you share. This is a gradual and supportive entry to the teaching profession.

Specialized Schedule that gives you hands-on experiences with the support you need to be ready for your own classroom and time to engage fully in your graduate program.

Priority Teaching Placement after completion at Rocketship California Schools. After your resident year, you will be considered for  priority placement at Rocketship Public Schools. This may or may not be your training site but will be in the network and aligned to your experience.

Essential Functions of a Resident Teacher:

• Work alongside lead classroom teacher to implement core curriculum (STEM , Humanities) as well implement classroom routines, procedures and other responsibilities such as planning, family engagement, home visits, etc. with consistency.
• Partner closely with mentor teacher to analyze student assessment data and use data to inform instruction.
• Organize classroom procedures and manage student behavior to ensure all students carefully engaged in learning.
• Provide interventions/tutoring  by having differentiated small group instruction within classroom to support strong academic growth for all students.
• Gradually assume greater responsibility for whole-group instruction, including leading core lessons.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and summer training.
• Collaborate closely with Rocketship team members (grade-level, school-wide, and across sites) to align curriculum across subjects, improve own and others’ instructional practices, and share best practices.
• Other related duties as assigned

Credentialing Requirements with our partner, Loyola Marymount University

(LMU):

• During your resident year, you’ll be working toward your credential with LMU. If all requirements are met, you’ll receive your degree and teacher credential after year one and MA after year two (the second year is optional).
• Join all LMU classes, participate fully, complete coursework online Meet LMU requirements including coaching with your fieldwork supervisors 12x a year (6x per semester).
• Maintain good standing as a graduate student with a 3.0 GPA.
• Ensure completion of CA teaching credential requirements including time is reserved for teaching test practice and taking test in the recommended timeline CSET passed DURING year one as resident (encouraged to take as soon as possible).

LMU Tuition:

For the 2026-27 school year, LMU provides generous financial support for resident tuition. Residents will pay 30-40% less than an average candidate who comes to LMU without the Rocketship partnership.  Specific costs will be provided at LMU information sessions.  All LMU students are eligible for Federal Financial Aid, although individual student eligibility varies. Residents will be responsible for all certification-related costs, including testing fees.

Rocketship Tuition Support for Residents:

Rocketship California decided to provide tuition support to Residents. We will provide $2k tuition support for all residents ($1k per semester).

LMU  program enrollment note:

Once accepted into your residency role for next year, there will be additional steps to complete an online application and enroll at LMU by June 15, 2027. More information to come after acceptance.

Typical Week:

This is a full time role with LMU classes and coursework after school.

Sample Weekly Schedule:

This may be modified slightly.

Monday -

Resident Day  (at campus with mentor)

Tuesday -

Resident Day  (at campus with mentor)

Wednesday -

Seminar / Resident Development Day (RPS specific resident training) and Grad work/ Test Prep.

Evening -

LMU Classes

Thursday -

Resident Day  (at campus with mentor). School PD Day.

Evening

• LMU Classes

Friday -

Resident Day  (at campus with mentor)

Note:

Residents are part of the school community and may be required to be a substitute.  Our vision is that this would not exceed one day a week and would give residents a chance to experience different grade levels and try out their skills independently.   You will also be expected to join after school programming or training in the summer too.

Qualifications to Apply:

• Interest in becoming a teacher!
• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0+ (or GPA Exemption Letter submitted)
• Experience working with students is preferred
• Receptive to feedback and desire to continuously improve
• Strong sense of personal accountability for student achievement
• Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.