The current class of Residents in the Chicago Teacher Residency (CTR) have completed their summer courses at DePaul and have started their teacher training experience at CTR Partnership School Training Sites across Chicago. Before the school year began, Residents and Mentors met at DePaul for the very first time, setting the foundation for the relationship they will cultivate throughout the school year.
The mentor and mentee relationship is at the heart of the Chicago Teacher Residency as it provides steadfast support and mentorship to CTR Residents through the entirety of their training year. CTR Residents are paired with a Mentor Teacher to receive a full year of in-class mentorship so they are prepared for any challenges they may face in or out of the classroom.
Adam Case, AUSL Executive Director, addressed Residents and Mentors sharing, “Our goal is that you’re prepared to teach because the work that you do is so important as you have the incredible opportunity to impact so many students’ lives. What an opportunity to learn from mentor teachers who are such experts and deeply invested in your success.”
The Mentor and Resident relationship is one CTR component that makes the residency program unique compared to traditional teacher preparation programs. The bonds and relationships created have inspired former Residents to continue their involvement with CTR following graduation by becoming mentor teachers themselves after gaining classroom experience.
“Everything I do, I learned from the Residency,” said Jasmyne Portee-Haywood, CTR Graduate Class of 2013 and current mentor teacher at Dewey School of Excellence. “From classroom management, to being data-driven, and establishing core relationships as a teacher. It’s very rewarding to be able to give back to the program that has given so much to me.”
Mentors are experienced, passionate teachers that guide and push Residents forward in their abilities as incoming full-time educators. They are truly special teacher leaders that care about making a difference and training the next generation of educators.
“The most rewarding part of this experience is knowing the people that have come into my classroom have left with something to carry out into new schools and more students in other parts of the city,” said Kiana Stewart, CTR Graduate Class of 2020 and mentor at Piccolo School of Excellence.
In addition to helping Residents, Mentors expressed how their roles push them to improve their own approach in the classroom. Annie Reid, mentor at Chicago Vocational Career Academy, shared, “Being a mentor has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and reflect on my own practices. I learned distributed leadership and sharing responsibility with others.”
“Mentoring helps me keep my skills sharp and be more efficient in my own practice,” shared Ashley Moore, CTR Graduate Class of 2015 and mentor at Marquette School of Excellence.
Both Residents and Mentor Teachers practice and gain valuable skills that continue to shape their roles as educators, fostering the continued commitment to learning and education that students deserve.
Learn more about our mentorship program and the CTR to apply today to join the Class of 2026: https://connect.auslchicago.org/apply/
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