NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Old Dominion University (ODU) and Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) are partnering for a program called The Teacher in Residence (TIR) program. It is a partnership funded by the Virginia Department of Education and is based on the needs of the school district.
Dr. Janice Underwood of Old Dominion University said the program has been instrumental in helping them prepare teachers to fill critical shortages in the math and science fields.
“There is a shortage of teachers across the Commonwealth of Virginia. In fact, right now the Governor is having a summit a UVA and they are talking about teacher shortages across the Commonwealth, said Underwood. "But what we also know is that in STEM areas the shortages are even deeper."
The TIR program is a fast-track into teaching. TIRs earn both a master’s degree and initial teaching licensure in the area of secondary education/mathematics or science. Dr. Underwood said the nine month program provides professional development and on-going support inside and outside of the classroom.
“We offer up to a $24,000 living stipend, we pay for the full tuition towards your Master's Degree and your licensure. We are not only going to train you, we are not only going to fund you completely, we are going to pay for everything you can think of but we are also going to support you,” said Underwood.
The GRE is waived for entry into the program is due The TIR program is currently accepting cohorts.
Applications are due November 7, 2017.