• 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.

  • Palm Springs USD Teacher Residency at Alder GSE

  • 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, Special Education and English 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. 

  • 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.
  • Previously Recorded Informational Sessions

  • Start your teaching career now!

Upcoming Info Sessions

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  • Can’t make it to an info session?
    Grab 15 minutes to connect with Alder GSE recruiter Eduardo HERE

  • 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 $30,000 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!

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      Program Details

      • 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, and Rancho Mirage.

        Important Dates

        • 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 2023-2024

        The application opened on September 1, 2023 with a program start date of June 2024. We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible to ensure the greatest availability in subject area and Partner Residency openings.

      Residency Cohort

      • Details For the 2024-2025 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 
        • Single Subject Social Science
        • Single Subject World Language

      Requirements

      • Requirements / Qualifications

        • Bachelor’s degree completed by the end of July 2024
        • 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

      • Costs and Financial Support

        Tuition ~$22K tuition (final tuition set in Dec. 2023 for the class of 2025)

        Program & Living Costs

        2023-2024 Tuition* General Education: $20,500
        Special Education: $20,500 (net of $1,721 Alder Residency SPED 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 2023-2024 will be finalized by January 2024.

        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) $12,000–$30,000
        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 $55,000*
        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.

         

      • Benefits

      • $30K Stipend (Residents are not employees of the school district)
      • Up to $26K in state and federal grants for residents from all credential areas
      • Up to $40K in federal financial aid/loans and the opportunity to apply for scholarships
      • Master's Degree and Teaching Credential upon completion
      • Priority Hiring for a full-time position at the school of residency
      • APPLY NOW