Develop research-based pedological skills for practice in independent or boarding school environments.
The Independent School Teaching Residency master's program enables aspiring and early career teachers to receive a master’s degree in education while completing an intensive teaching fellowship at a host partner school. With an innovative and comprehensive curriculum designed specifically for the independent schools’ unique settings, the program features intensive on-site sessions in combination with innovative and collaborative online learning.
Program Details
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Rolling Application Deadline
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Summer Entry Term
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Part-Time Enrollment Format
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10 Courses
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2 Years Duration
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On Campus Modality
Overview
Solidly grounded in both the theory and practice of teaching, the Independent School Teaching Residency program is designed to integrate the expertise of professional educators from a host of leading institutions, drawing on the perspectives of scholars and practitioners alike.
The program offers both a Boarding School Teaching Residency (BSTR) and a Day School Teaching Residency (DSTR). In addition to teaching responsibilities, program fellows can get involved in other programs at their schools, for example, working within the residential life program at a boarding school, leading an extracurricular activity at a day school, coaching a sports team, or advising students. To be academically eligible for the program, students must be hired into a fellows position by a partner school and maintain employment throughout the two years of the program.
The Independent School Teaching Residency program is ideal for those who:
- Have less than 2 years of teaching experience and an interest in the independent school context
- Have the ambition and drive to earn a master's degree in education while completing an intensive teaching fellowship at host partner schools
- Desire a cohort experience in a collaborative learning community
Take the Next Step
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Financial Aid
Upcoming Events
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
Curriculum
The curriculum of the Boarding School Teaching Residency (BSTR) and the curriculum of the Day School Teaching Residency (DSTR) are each divided into three interconnected strands that span the length of the two-year program:
- Teaching and Learning
- History, Culture, and Social Contexts
- Reflective Practice
The culminating project is an inquiry portfolio in which the fellows examine a particular question that emerges from their teaching practice. For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Independent School Teaching Residency program in the University Catalog.
Do you have questions about the plan of study?
We are here to help! Contact the program Program Manager, Bryn Elizabeth Fulmer bfulmer@upenn.edu.
We acknowledge the significant time demands placed on students serving in teaching fellowships. Our blended on-site and online curriculum allows fellows to meet their full-time partner school fellowship obligations while simultaneously completing their master’s degree studies over the course of two years.
Each year of the program includes:
- A week-long session in June and a weekend session in January, both at Penn GSE
- Two additional weekend sessions hosted by one of our partner schools, one in November and one in April
- Monthly online classes with teaching fellows at other schools throughout the program
- Weekly meetings with school-based mentors at the partner schools
Outcomes
Alumni of our program are outstanding teachers trained to meet the growing needs of a dynamic teaching landscape. They are self-reflective professionals who are willing and able to develop strategies for studying and improving their own teaching. They are qualified leaders, equipped to plan, build, and evaluate new curricula and programs.
Alumni Careers
- Assistant Dean of Students, St. Paul’s School
- Computer Science Teacher, Latin School of Chicago
- English Teacher, Dublin School
- English Teacher, Northfield Mount Hermon School
- History Teacher, Taft School
- Mathematics Teacher, Milton Academy
- Religion Teacher, The Spence School
- Science Teacher, Horace Mann School
- Science Teacher, Riverdale Country School
Partner Schools
Contact the partner schools directly to learn about their application processes and their deadlines. In a typical year, fellowship positions at partner schools are usually posted between December and February. Partner schools then submit their teaching fellow recommendations to Penn GSE in the spring of each year.
- Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
- Gilman School
- Greenwich Academy
- Hopkins School
- John Burroughs School
- Marin Academy
- Princeton Day School: Not Accepting Fellows for 2025-26 Academic Year
- Riverdale Country School
- Roxbury Latin School
- Sonoma Academy: Not Accepting Fellows for 2025-26 Academic Year
- Thaden School
- Thayer Academy
Apply Now
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Affiliated Faculty
Contact Us
Do you have questions about the application, financial aid, or requirements? We're happy to help!
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