Bridging Research and Practice: The Power of Teacher Residencies and Innovation and Induction Clusters
In a recent article by The 74, "Training Teachers Like Doctors: Going From the Bare Minimum to Intensive Prep", the focus is on the growing trend of teacher residency programs that mirror medical residencies. These programs emphasize hands-on practice, focused research, and sustained mentorship to better prepare educators for the classroom.
Suzanne Donovan, Executive Director of SERP, highlighted the potential of the apprenticeship model in these programs. She noted that such an approach allows for more practical training and continuous support, which are crucial for developing effective teaching practices.
"I’m convinced it’s the thing that could make education a system that continuously improves in the way that medicine does."
-Suzanne Donovan
The article also discusses how some residency programs are targeting specific goals, such as equipping teachers with research-based knowledge on the science of reading, or addressing chronic teacher shortages. These targeted approaches aim to enhance the quality of education and to ensure that teachers are well-prepared to meet the needs of their students.
At SERP, we believe that teacher preparation must go beyond traditional coursework and include real-world application, collaboration, and mentorship. That’s why we developed Innovation and Induction Clusters (i2)—an approach that combines apprenticeship-style learning with structured, research-backed support. i2 moves beyond isolated professional development workshops, instead embedding teachers in collaborative communities where they can learn, refine, and adapt instructional strategies alongside peers and experienced mentors.
i2 also emphasizes problem-solving in real classrooms. Just as medical residents work with real patients while receiving expert guidance, i2 participants tackle authentic instructional challenges while receiving ongoing support from researchers, veteran educators, and school leaders. This ensures that teachers are not only learning best practices but also developing the ability to think critically and adapt in response to their students’ needs.
Models like teacher residencies and induction clusters like i2 will play a vital role in elevating the teaching profession and improving student outcomes. By bridging research and practice, these models ensure that educators enter the classroom better prepared, more confident, and ready to make an impact.
Learn more about SERP’s i2 approach to teacher training here.
Interested in bringing i2 to your school or district? Email us at info@serpinstitute.org.