1.     Who is eligible for SUTR program? Non-licensed professionals who are dedicated to education in Saint Paul Public Schools and have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

2.       What is the SUTR criteria to be eligible for this residency program?

·         Individuals with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

·         Preference will be given to SPPS employees

·         Individuals committed to education

·         Individuals who will commit to teaching in SPPS for three years after completion of the residency

·         Individuals seeking an initial license in:

                  - Elementary Education with a Science, Technology, Engineering and math (STEM) focus

                  - Special Education; Academic and Behavior Strategist (ABS)* The ABS license prepares individuals to teach students with mild/moderate needs across the areas of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), development disabilities (DD), emotional behavioral disorders (EBD) and learning disabilities (LD)

  - Math (grades 5-12) or Middle School Science

3.       What is a teacher residency program? A teacher residency is a rigorous full-time classroom apprenticeship alongside graduate coursework. Coursework will take place in the summer and on Mondays (in Fall semester) and Fridays (in Spring semester) from 8:00am - 4:00pm during the school year.  Residents will student teach alongside a mentor teacher during the school year on Tuesday - Friday or Monday - Thursday.

4.       What is SUTR? Saint Paul Urban Teacher Residency (SUTR) program aims to recruit, prepare and retain effective teachers from shares similar life experiences as our diverse student population in Saint Paul Public Schools.  SUTR is an innovative, graduate-level teacher residency program developed in partnership between Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) and the University of St. Thomas (UST). Residents will earn a master's degree and a teaching license.  

5.       What are the benefits of SUTR? Why should I apply?

·         Increased earning potential

             ·         Earn your license in Special Education or Elementary Education and master's degree in 15 months

·         Residents receive a stipend of $30,000; $1000 book stipend; and single medical and dental benefits

·         Future leadership opportunities

·         UST scholarship opportunities of $1000 to teacher residents

·         Federal student loan forgiveness programs could be available after five years of teaching (from $5,000 up to $17,500)

·         Intense mentoring and rigorous coursework grounded in SPPS's racial equity and gender inclusion policies

·         Priority hire upon successful completion

·         Member of the Teacher Retirement Association (TRA) Pension

·         Eligible for teacher's benefits upon hire

6.       What are the costs of SUTR? Tuition is approximately $660/credit: approximately $22,400

7.       Will residents receive benefits?  Yes, single medical and dental benefits are provided at no cost. 

8.       Will I be able to get my job back in SPPS if I decide not to teach? SPPS will support you in finding a good fit for your career path.

9.       Will I maintain my seniority during this program? At this time, SUTR is not part of a bargining unit.

10.     Will SPPS guarantee me a position in SPPS upon completion of this program? Upon a successful completion of the program, HR will work with you to place you accordingly to your licensure area.  

11.     How will the stipend be dispersed? The stipend will be dispursed according to Payroll schedule during the academic school year (bi-weekly).

12.     Are there grants and/or scholarships? Yes. UST will be offering scholarships based on merit.  Those obtaining licenses in SPED will be eligible to apply for a loan forgiveness program that covers up to $17,000 after five years of teaching in a high need school.  Those who attain their license in Elementary Education are eligible to apply for loan forgiveness program that covers up to $5,000 after five years of teaching in a high need school.

13.    Will the resident be matched up with a mentor and what will that look like? Yes, you will be matched with a mentor teacher that has been recommended by a principal or program lead.  The two of you will partake in a co-teaching foundations and pairs training together in the beginning of your program and co-teach together for the rest of the school year.

14.    Do residents have a choice in school placement during the residency? The SUTR team will place residents in SUTR sites.

15.   When do the Minnesota Teaching Exams come into play during the program? You will need to take the requried exams to attain your Minnesota teaching license.  SUTR will provide advising in order to take in a timely manner.

16.   How many SUTR positions are being offered? Our goal is to recruit, prepare and retain 25 - 35 SUTR residents each year.

17.   What types of leadership opportunities are available to SUTR participants during as well as after the year of completion? We are hoping that after tenure, you will become a mentor teacher yourself for another cohort of SUTR residents. There are numerous leadership opportunities that are offered throughout our district to those with a teaching license. 

18.   Can I continue working in my current position and location? The structure of this residency program requires a resident to leave their current position and partake in a full-time residency program.

19.   What is the application process?  Refer to the link "Apply to SUTR" found on our homepage. Additionally, you must apply to the University of St. Thomas (refer to "Applying to St. Thomas" link found on our homepage).

20.   Will residents see a variety of environments or be connected with a single mentor-teacher classroom? You will be connected to one mentor teacher for the year.  You will experience two one-week learning rotations that will allow you to experience different teachers and buildings.

21.   Will this license be recognized outside of the SPPS district? Yes. Upon successful completion of this program, candidates will be fully licensed to teach in the state of Minnesota.  It is a non-conventional pathway that is approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching.