NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, has proposed legislation to further support student success and teacher career development in the Volunteer State.
The Tennessee Teacher Residency Pilot Program Act, or House Bill 1977, will create a three-year pilot program to support eligible teacher residency programs that provide teacher preparation training through a residency model in schools, colleges or universities, or approved educator preparation providers (EPP).
“Tennessee’s education transformation has been driven by innovative solutions that prioritize student achievement, serving as a model for the nation,” said White, who chairs the House Education Committee. “The Teacher Residency Pilot Program Act recognizes that experienced educators are often the key to academic success. Rigorous coursework and quality mentorship will be vital to teacher residents’ career development, allowing them to make an immediate and lasting impact on schools across our state.”
The Tennessee Department of Education (DOE) would develop and implement thegrant program to support residency programs by offsetting all or part of operating costs, including stipends for teacher residents and mentors. Programs could receive $30,000 for each teacher resident, with a maximum of 100 per academic year, beginning in 2026-27.
To be eligible for grant funding, residency programs must require residents to complete at least one full academic year of rigorous EPP coursework integrated into a year of guided clinical apprenticeship through a school partnership.
There must also be an expectation of employment for teacher residents at the partnering public or charter school after program completion, with educators required to commit to teach for a minimum of three consecutive years at the partnering school or at another high-need school designated by the DOE. Programs must also provide support to teacher residents for at least one year after the residency, in addition to several other requirements.
Successful completion of the residency program would satisfy the clinical experience requirement for an initial education license. Residency programs receiving grant funding would be required to submit data yearly to the DOE, the Tennessee State Board of Education, and several legislative committees in the General Assembly.
Teachers who participated in residency programs outperformed their peers in boosting student test scores over time, according to a study from the Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis journal. They also remain in the classroom longer than their peers and work in higher-need subject areas.
House Bill 1977 is scheduled to be heard in the Education Committee on March 25.
State Rep. Mark White represents District 83 in the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes part of Shelby County.