School of Education

Program Information

BEST Teacher Residency Program

The BEST (Belong, Engage, Support, and Transform) Teacher Residency Program launched October 1, 2024! The BEST program is a Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant-funded opportunity for teachers interested in earning a Master’s degree and Multiple Subject teaching credential. We are accepting applications due Spring 2025 (March 1) for our first cohort starting in Summer (June) 2025.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?(opens in new window)

The BEST Program is a yearlong Teacher Residency that helps you launch your teaching career while earning a Master of Arts in Teaching and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential—all in an accelerated timeline. With a living wage stipend to support you, you’ll join a welcoming community of peers, learning practical teaching strategies like inclusive pedagogy, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices to make a real difference in the lives of your students.

APPLY TO COHORT 1 TODAY!(opens in new window)

  • Overview & Coursework

    A teacher residency is a hands-on way to prepare for your teaching career, offering more than traditional student teaching. From the very start of the school year, you’ll work full-time, four days a week, alongside a mentor teacher in one of our diverse, high-need partner districts—Corning, Los Molinos, Palermo, or Thermalito.

    As a Resident, you’ll co-plan and co-teach with your mentor from day one, becoming an integral part of the classroom and school community. You’ll also participate in activities across the school and district, gaining real-world experience as a valued team member.

    By the time you graduate from the BEST program, you’ll feel ready and confident to step into your own classroom. With specialized training, mentorship, and a master’s degree, you’ll be fully equipped to inspire and teach North State students while starting your career on solid ground!

    Before starting the BEST program, you’ll need to complete any prerequisite courses and requirements to make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running. If you’re not sure what you still need, we’re here to help you figure it out! Just reach out to our team for guidance and support.

    BEST Coursework Program Plan (PDF)
    Multiple Subject Credential Handbook(opens in new window)

  • Living Stipend & Service Obligation
    • be a U.S. citizen or hold a valid permanent resident card
    • sustain a B-average throughout the graduate program, and
    • be in good standing with the U.S. Department of Education.

    Stipend Requirements

    The living stipend of up to $52,000 is available for those who choose to accept it. To receive the stipend, Teacher Residents must successfully meet all requirements for the California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master of Arts in Teaching. Stipend recipients are also expected to complete the BEST Teacher Residency Program in good standing.

    Service Obligation

    BEST participants are required to complete three years of full-time teaching in an approved high-need K-12 school anywhere in the United States, preferably at a partner school where they served during their residency. To find a qualifying high-need school, refer to the California Department of Education Website(opens in new window) or the Department of Education website for your chosen state.

    According to the U.S. Department of Education, a high-need school is primarily identified by its percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Elementary schools must have 60% or more of students participating in these programs to meet service obligation requirements.

    Failure to fulfill these obligations or dismissal from the BEST Program will result in the need to repay all grant funds received (plus interest). Repayment will be made to Chico State Enterprises within the timeframe outlined in the signed Letter of Agreement and Promissory Note provided before the start of the program.

BEST Teacher Residency Graphic

Program Components

  • Collaborate with experienced Mentor Teachers and supportive University Supervisors.
  • Apply practical tools for action research, data analysis, and student assessment.
  • Learn inclusive teaching strategies that ensure every student thrives.
  • Participate in professional development focused on social-emotional learning.
  • Gain skills in trauma-informed and healing-centered engagement (HCE).
  • Join a supportive cohort of peers for connection and belonging.
  • Receive equitable guidance and support from caring faculty and staff.
  • Be part of a collaborative and impactful educational community.
  • Partake in Co-planning & Co-teaching(opens in new window) in real classroom settings.
  • Receive a living wage stipend of up to $52,000.
  • Build connections in diverse, high-need rural school districts in the following locations: Corning, Los Molinos, Palermo & Thermalito.

fall colored trees and brick walkway of landscape

Benefits of a Master's Degree

  • Lead and inspire in your community.
  • Build resilience and confidence in yourself and your work.
  • Foster meaningful and inclusive conversations in your classroom.
  • Use practical teaching strategies that make a real impact.
  • Take a step forward in your career and increase your earning potential.
  • Make a lasting difference by shaping the future through education.
  • Create a rewarding and sustainable teaching career with financial stability.

Notice to Students RE: Professional Licensure and Certification (opens in new window)