The Kansas City Teacher Residency (KCTR) is a non-profit organization founded in 2015
to improve student outcomes by preparing, certifying, and retaining highly effective teachers who are rigorously prepared and supported. We recruit individuals who are dedicated to making an equitable, antiracist education system a reality in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
How We Help
Out of all school-related factors, the quality of the teacher is the largest indicator of student achievement.
We believe that by preparing teachers to be highly effective educators who are dedicated to the students they serve, we can create an educational environment in our public schools where all students succeed.
Quality Education for All Students
By altering the way we approach teacher preparation, we can make a difference in the education of our youth.
We recognize the long-standing prevalence of racism, anti-Blackness, and white supremacy in America and the direct impact this has had on the education profession and student access to high quality education. KCTR is committed to actively and directly challenging racist, anti-Black, and white-supremacist education systems that have been created against the Black community, Indigenous peoples, and People of Color.
Our Vision
We work towards a future where every classroom is led by compassionate, highly effective, culturally and emotionally responsive educators. Partnering with school systems to build equitable communities, we aspire towards the day where all students are represented and have access to a high-quality education.
Our Mission
We recruit, cultivate, support, and retain a diverse network of empowered and effective educators. We prepare teachers to create transformative and equitable classroom experiences for all students in the communities we serve.
Our Values
Making a difference
- 01. Antiracism
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Our work actively disrupts racist systems that are rooted in anti-Blackness and white supremacy and that perpetuate educational injustices against Black, Indigenous, Latinx/e, and People of Color. We think creatively about how to build bold, new possibilities while counteracting oppression & injustice throughout the education system.
- 02. Community
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Our work is deeply human, made possible by mutually inspiring relationships. We nurture partnerships so that the grander education system blossoms into a dynamic community. Our impact is magnified as we build relationships with integrity, trust, and transparency.
- 03. Excellence
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Our work is anchored in our vision for the education system; it encourages us to align the impact of our actions with our intentions. Constant and conscious effort to carry out our mission will make this vision a reality. We operate responsibly and diligently so that our
chances of producing consistent results increases - 04. Growth
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Our work evolves by setting an intentional focus on persistent development. We recognize that perfection is the enemy of good, but courage is the ally of progress. As we pursue our mission, we celebrate and reflect on accomplishments and challenges both as opportunities for greater understanding and wisdom.
- 05. Love
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Our work is grounded by a commitment to the holistic wellbeing of our students, teachers, families, schools, and selves. We affirm, value, and support each person in their inherent dignity and foster a culture where every person’s brilliance shines.
Program Overview
From the application process through the Residency, our model is purposefully rigorous to prepare teachers for the intensity of the teaching profession.
Our graduate-level teacher preparation program in Kansas city offers additional benefits compared to a traditional education preparation program. We accomplish this by supporting pre-service teachers through a one-year Residency. Additionally, we provide continued individualized coaching support and professional development through their first three years as a teacher of record.
31
School Sites
42
Residents
109
Graduates
1
Goal
Our Impact
Our goal isn’t to just certify individuals to become educators. Rather, we focus on preparing highly effective teachers for classrooms through the best equity-driven teacher preparation program in Kansas City so that one day every child might have a quality education, no matter their circumstances.
School Partners
Hear from our teachers.
Get Involved
Whether you’re looking to become a teacher resident, a donor, a partner school, or a sponsor, we’re always excited to get in touch with people who care about KC as much as we do.
Get started
Are you ready to make a difference?
Our city needs great educators. Become a teacher through the Kansas City Teacher Residency and make a difference in the lives of Kansas City area students. This one-year residency program and three-year teaching commitment is for college graduates and career changers who want to become excellent teachers and make an impact.
