Admissions Guide: Exploring the NYU Teacher Residency Application Process

If you’re looking for an intensive teacher training program that combines rigorous academics and real-world field experience, consider the New York University Teacher Residency. Teacher residents complete master’s-level course work while participating in an immersive residency at a partner school. The Teacher Residency helps residents develop confidence and skills as a classroom teacher while understanding how to serve learners of all backgrounds and instructional needs. Successful residents graduate with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).

This article explains how to apply to the NYU Teacher Residency and what to expect during the admissions process. 

Completing Your Application: What You Need to Apply 

NYU evaluates applications holistically to find impactful teachers who can help learners reach their full potential. Applicants should use this opportunity to share who they are and how they aim to influence the future of education.

Eligibility Requirements

Prospective residents must first determine whether they are eligible for their chosen Master of Arts in Teaching (Inclusive Childhood Education or Secondary Education). NYU bases eligibility on an applicant’s previous undergraduate and graduate course work; each MAT degree has different eligibility requirements. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a strong GPA, irrespective of their chosen Teacher Residency. However, prior teaching experience is not required. 

Application Materials 

Upon determining eligibility for the Teacher Residency, applicants can begin the process. The following materials are required: 

• Application profile: Applicants create a profile to access the NYU application portal and connect with enrollment advisors who can guide them through the process. 
• Transcripts: Applicants submit transcripts from educational institutions where they earned credit so NYU can assess their eligibility for the Teacher Residency’s specific content areas. 
• Letters of recommendation: Provide two letters of recommendation from  professional or academic references.
• Resume: The resume should highlight the applicant’s employment history and most recent achievements and pursuits.
• Essay: Essays should demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to ongoing reflection, learning, and the practice of inclusivity and accessibility for all learners.
• Video introduction: Applicants record a ninety-second video to give the faculty a better sense of who they are and will be as a future teacher.
• English proficiency exam: If English is not the applicant’s native language, they must submit results from one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
• Application fee: Applicants may have to submit a $75 nonrefundable fee with their application.

Upload all application materials to the NYU application portal.  

A Closer Look at the MAT Admissions Process

Upon submitting an application, applicants must navigate through the critical stages of the admissions process. Residency assignments typically occur 8 to 12 weeks after the application deadline. 

Application Review & Faculty Interviews

NYU Steinhardt faculty members review each application. The University invites candidates who meet the academic requirements to an asynchronous interview to determine whether they are a good fit for the Teacher Residency. 

Residency Preference Survey 

Successfully matching prospective residents with residency schools is critical to the admissions process. If invited to participate in the faculty interview process, applicants must complete a residency preference survey. The program’s admissions committee reviews survey results and, to the best of their ability, pairs each student with a set of residency options based on preferred location, residency benefits, and postgraduate employment opportunities, among other criteria. While first-choice placement is not guaranteed, it’s recommended that applicants research their residency options before completing the survey. 

Partner School Interviews & Residency Offers

All accepted teacher residents are automatically approved for a half-day residency within the New York City Department of Education (DOE) school system. If this is the resident’s preferred choice, no further action is needed. 

However, many applicants seek full-day residencies due to the stipends, wages, and other associated benefits. Should a resident wish to pursue a full-day residency, NYU will forward their application to school hiring managers based on the preferences indicated in their residency survey. The hiring managers will review their materials and decide whether to invite them to a final interview. Successful interviewees will receive a full-day residency offer from the partner school.  

Financial Support and Applying for Aid 

The Teacher Residency offers various financial aid and scholarship options; many residents fund their MAT through a combination of scholarships, financial aid, loans, and financial resources earned through their teacher residency. Learn more about the stipends, wages, and benefits associated with full-day teacher residencies on the locations page. 

Getting Help Along the Way: MAT Application Assistance 

The Teacher Residency application process is rigorous. Fortunately, applicants don’t have to navigate it alone. NYU enrollment advisors wait to answer any questions and provide guidance on how to submit a compelling application. For questions about tuition or financial aid, contact the NYU Financial Aid office. 

Next Steps: Apply to the NYU Teacher Residency

The NYU combined MAT and teacher residency experience can help future educators reach their career goals, empowering them to make an impact in classrooms and communities. If you’re ready for the next step in your teaching career, schedule a one-on-one application walkthrough or start the application process today.