FAQ | Educate ME BTR

FAQs

What is the Black Teacher Residency?

The Black Teacher Residency (BTR) combines coursework with on-the-job training. Candidates receive at least one academic year of teaching support alongside a mentor teacher before becoming certified teachers of record that independently lead a class. Additionally, Educate ME provides a full-tuition scholarship to each admitted BTR. The cohort model offers a sense of community. What makes BTR unique are the wrap-around services available to Residents, such as test prep, exam vouchers, and homeownership assistance.
How does the Black Teacher Residency differ from other teacher certification programs?

All BTR Residents will earn a minimum annual salary of $42,000 with benefits during year 1 of the program. Residents will be eligible to receive wrap-around services through our Black Teacher Fund during year 2, which include classroom grants, certification fee test vouchers, homeownership assistance, and therapy sessions with black Indianapolis-based therapy providers.
What certification will a Black Teacher Resident earn?

Residents may choose to earn their teaching certificate in elementary or secondary education. Klipsch Educators College at Marian University will certify with CAEP Accreditation Standards.
What if I still have more questions outside what is mentioned on the FAQ's?

Have a question not addressed here? Feel free to email Marlon Llewellyn at mllewellyn@marian.edu.
Who is eligible?

Interested applicants must only identify as Black and have a Bachelor's degree by July 2023 to submit the Black Teacher Residency application. Additional Marian University's eligibility criteria can be found on the Eligibility page of our website.
Do I need to have a degree already?

All applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution before July 2023 to begin the Black Teacher Residency with the 2023 cohort.
What if I already have graduate credits? Will they be accepted?

A Klipsch Educators College Advisor will review each college transcript applicants submit and inform BTR / MU candidates of credit transfer eligibility. Up to 9 credits will be accepted toward the MAT degree.
Where will I be placed?

Educate ME Foundation has established partnerships with public and charter schools in Central Indianapolis that are enthusiastic about hiring BTR participants.
When can I apply?

Now! Applications are open now. Click here to apply today!
What are the requirements of the program?

BTRs are expected to earn and maintain a 2.5+ GPA in all coursework each semester of the program. BTRs must maintain employment at one of our Indianapolis public or charter partners throughout the MU MAT graduate program to be eligible for the tuition scholarship.
Is there a post-residency commitment, and if so, what?

No. There are no requirements after the two-year residency program has ended.
Is there an application fee for either Marian University or the Educate ME application?

No. The application fee for MU has been waived. There is no fee associated with the Black Teacher Residency application.
Are there any other costs associated with the Black Teacher Residency?

No, Educate ME’s BTR Scholarship will cover tuition, which includes all university fees from Marian University.
What is the cost of a master’s degree from Marian University?

Marian University graduate courses cost $550 per credit hour. Individual grants and scholarships will be awarded based on eligibility from the university. Black Teacher Residents will receive a full-tuition scholarship each semester of the Residency program for up to 4 semesters.
What is the salary of first-year residents?

Black Teacher Residents will earn a salary comparable to a first-year in Indianapolis - a minimum of $42,000 with benefits annually. Salary range will be dependent upon where residents are employed.
Does the Black Teacher Residency offer health insurance?

No, the residency program does not directly offer health insurance; however, all BTR participants, once hired by a public or charter district, will be presented with a compensation and benefits package.
When are residents required to take licensure exams?

At the end of year one, BTR participants will have the opportunity to register for the exam specific to their content area. Please visit the ETS Praxis site for more information. We also encourage you to discuss testing with your Klipsch Educators College Advisor.
Are there fees associated with the licensure exams?

Yes. Exam fees range from $120 - $180, varying based on the content area. A benefit of the Black Teacher Residency includes financial assistance with certification exam fees.
What exams are required by the state of Indiana for teacher licensure?

State licensure exams are associated with the subject area and grade level a candidate intends to teach. You may refer to the ETS Praxis Licensure Requirements for further testing requirements.
Where assistance will Residents have for test preparation?

The primary source of certification exam preparation is the Marian University MAT program curriculum. Klipsch's Educators College offers coursework and professor support that aligns with the Praxis exam requirements. Educate ME offers a secondary online test preparation program BTRs can apply for and receive free.
What support will I receive as I work to become a certified teacher?

A mentor teacher will be an experienced and effective teacher that is invested in your success. This Mentor Teacher will be trained to coach and guide you through the first year of the Residency. The Educate ME Foundation Program Coordinator will guide you through the Master of Arts in Teaching degree plan, ensuring you know what to expect each semester. As part of the Black Teacher Residency cohort, you will join a community of aspiring black educators there for support, thought-partner, and empathize through a shared journey to your calling as a classroom teacher. Have a question not addressed here? Feel free to email Marlon Lewellyn at marlon@educatemefoundation.org