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Become a Teacher!
Our program is based on a residency model that combines immersive hands-on practice in the classroom with educational theory and research in both seminars and online.
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Palm Springs USD Teacher Residency at Alder GSE
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This Fall Palm Springs Unified is recruiting a cohort of teacher residents for the Palm Springs Unified Teacher Residency. This is an innovative and affordable pathway to a full-time teaching career in our community. Residents earn their Master’s Degree and Teaching Credential in subjects like Math, Science, Special Education as well as Multiple Subjects for our Elementary Educators, in just one year through the Alder Graduate School of Education, while joining a supportive, mentor-based program with an emphasis on social justice and equity. After the year of residency, graduates receive priority hiring as Palm Springs Unified teachers. Check out this link to our video about our program.
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Our program is based on a residency model that combines immersive hands-on practice in the classroom with educational theory and research in both seminars and online. It takes place in partnership with K–12 schools in historically underserved communities, and 97% of our graduates obtain full-time teaching positions after completing the program.
In this residency year you will:
- Earn your Master’s Degree and Teaching Credential in one year.
- Apprentice four days a week with an expert teacher in your residency school.
- Learn within a cohort of peers with whom you will work (and laugh) with all year, paving the way to becoming lifelong friends and colleagues.
- Engage in critical conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion with your mentor, instructors, and peers.
- Receive priority consideration for a full-time position upon completing the program.
- Do all of this at a cost that is affordable and includes financial support.
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Previously Recorded Informational Sessions
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Upcoming Informational Sessions
Join us for a short virtual informational session to learn about the Alder Graduate School of Education Teacher Residency Program at the Palm Springs Unified School District.
Learn how you can earn your Master’s and teaching credential in just one year, while getting hands-on experience collaborating with a mentor teacher. Residents have access to a $47,300 stipend, financial aid, and numerous scholarships.
Hear from the program coordinators and Alder representatives to gain a better understanding about the program, benefits, and ask questions. Sign up for an upcoming info session! If there are no upcoming info sessions, watch our previously recorded session, or feel free to reach out with your questions!
Program Details
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PSUSD Program Details
Palm Springs USD is located in the Coachella Valley, our school district services Transitional Kindergarten through twelfth grade schools in the following cities: Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Thousand Palms.
Important Dates
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Priority Deadline is October 13th – applicants who apply by this date may hear back sooner.
Fall General Deadline is November 3th – all partners will be screening applications for this deadline.
Cohort 2025-2026
The application opened on September 1, 2024 with a program start date of June 2025. We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible to ensure the greatest availability in subject area and Partner Residency openings.
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Residency Cohort
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Details For the 2025-2026 Residency Cohort
Palm Springs USD is looking for qualified applicants in the following areas:
- Multiple Subject/Elementary
- Special Education - Mild/Moderate
- Single Subject English
- Single Subject Mathematics
- Single Subject Science
Requirements
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Requirements / Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree completed by the end of July 2025
- A grade point average (GPA) of 2.65 preferred, under 2.65 GPA should still apply
- Eligible to work in the United States DACA, permanent residency, US Citizen
Costs
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Costs and Financial Support
Tuition ~$22K tuition (final tuition set in Dec. 2024 for the class of 2025)
Program & Living Costs
2024-2025 Tuition* General Education: $22,610
Special Education: $22,610 (net of Alder Residency SPED grant)
Bilingual Placement: $22,610 (net of Alder Bilingual Placement grant)Test Registration Fees Approximately $1,000 depending on the number of tests a student takes Credential & Certification Fees $340 Live Scan and TB Fees Approximately $150 based on the provider Books & Materials $600 Other Living Expenses Varies depending on your personal circumstances *Tuition for the class of 2025-2026 will be finalized by January 2025.
Financial Support
For more detailed information about financial aid supports and how to apply, please see our full Financial Supports Page.Amounts of financial support vary by partner and location; below are representative ranges:
Living Expenses Stipend (taxable) $25,000-$50,000 Golden State Teacher Grant Up to $20,000 Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program Extra Year of Cal Grant Federal TEACH Grant Up to $5,658 Federal Loans Up to $60,000* Alder Residency Scholarships (dependent on funding availability and eligibility) Up to $10,000 Test registration fee support $200 Credential test preparation support $250 on average Excellent preparation and priority consideration for a paid, full-time teaching position PRICELESS! *Total financial aid (grants + scholarships + loans) cannot exceed the cost of attendance; therefore eligible loan amounts are reduced based on other aid received.
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Benefits
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$47K Stipend (Residents are not employees of the school district)
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Up to $26K in state and federal grants for residents from all credential areas
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Up to $40K in federal financial aid/loans and the opportunity to apply for scholarships
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Master's Degree and Teaching Credential upon completion
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Priority Hiring for a full-time position at the school of residency
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Have questions? Happy to help!
Alexis Acker, MEd
PSUSD Teacher Residency Leader/TOSA Teacher Residency at Alder GSE, aacker@psusd.usEduardo Rodriguez
Alder GSE Recruiter, ERodriguez@aldergse.edu
Schedule an appointment with Eduardo
