We are currently accepting applications to our 2009 Winter Program.  To be one of the first to apply, click here.

How to Apply

Interested in applying? Keep reading for more information about how the process works and what is required in order to join our program.

There are eight steps:

1. Read this website!
Please be sure to thoroughly read through the section on eligibility and content requirements, as this is a critical piece of the application process. Only applications of eligible candidates will be reviewed.

2. Check your eligibility status.
Applicants to the program must meet a number of Eligibility Requirements in order to be considered. Make sure that you're eligible!

3. Apply Now!
Applying is easy via our online application. To apply to the Baltimore City Teaching Residency, candidates need to complete and submit an online application that includes a resume and a response to the following application questions:

• Nearly all Residents are placed in 'high-need' schools that are located in low-income communities. Why do you want to teach in a high-need school?    

• The most important responsibility of a teacher is to ensure high academic achievement for all students. Describe a skill or ability that will help you fulfill this responsibility and provide an example of how you have effectively demonstrated this skill or ability in the past. 

• Resident Teachers will face new and significant challenges during their first year of teaching.  Describe a professional, personal or academic challenge you have overcome, and how that experience will contribute to your success as a Resident Teacher.

Your response to these application questions provides us with information not captured elsewhere in the application. We use this to evaluate your writing and critical thinking skills, and more importantly, to gain a sense of your commitment to teaching students in the Baltimore City Public School System.

4. Register for the Praxis.

The Praxis Series exams are a requirement for participation in the Baltimore City Teaching Residency; however, they are specifically not a part of our initial application process. Consequently, only accepted candidates will be required to submit Praxis scores before training begins. However, you should register for this exam as soon as possible. 

For details about the test and specific requirements, see the section of this website entitled Praxis Requirements.  You may also visit the ETS website at www.ets.org to view the Maryland requirements.

However, applicants are strongly encouraged to register and take the Praxis tests as soon as possible.

5. Investigate how to request your transcripts.
If selected for an interview, candidates will be required to bring at least one transcript, official or unofficial, from every college and university attended as part of their interview materials. Please do not have official transcripts sent to the BCTR office; if selected for our program, you will receive instructions on when we'll accept them.

Credit coursework, including transfer, AP or supplemental coursework must be verified by transcripts from the institution where credits were earned.

Please note that upon entrance to the Baltimore City Teaching Residency, a total of 2 official transcripts, from each college and university attended, will be required for continuation with the program.

Because it often takes colleges and universities several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we recommend that you request transcripts at the time of your application submission to be sent to your home address. Again, please do not have official transcripts sent to the BCTR office.

Upon acceptance to the Baltimore City Teaching Residency, all transcripts from the institution(s) where a degree was granted must reflect “degree awarded” or “degree conferred” to be considered official.

We suggest contacting the office of the registrar for details on the timing of this process.

Photocopies are acceptable at this point.
Please do not send or fax transcripts before your interview date.*

*Unfortunately, we are unable to return transcripts once they have been submitted, even if an applicant is not admitted to the program.

6. Check application status online.
After submission of an online application, candidates are able to view their status in the application process on-line two ways:

a. Return to the Baltimore City Teaching Residency website, hit “APPLY NOW ” and log into your account. Once you're logged in, your home page should reveal your most current status with the program. 

b. Go to My BCTR and log into your account. Once you're logged in, your home page should reveal your most current status with the program. 

During the application and interview process, updates and documents will be posted at this site that are specific to each stage in the candidacy cycle. We highly recommend checking this site frequently.

7. Attend an interview event. (Invited applicants only.)
Applicants whose materials demonstrate their strong potential to be a new teacher will be invited to participate in an interview event. We will closely read all resumes and personal statements from eligible applicants.

Applicants will be notified of their interview status within about two weeks of receipt of the complete application for the Winter program, and within two weeks after the application deadline for the Summer Program.

The interview event will include a teaching sample, a dialogue with other candidates, a writing exercise, and a personal interview. Applicants who are invited to interview will be provided with additional information at the time of invitation.

Interviews are group events; so, candidates will be allowed to choose from pre-determined dates and times.

Unfortunately, individual requests for other times cannot be accommodated.

8. Wait for a decision.
Based on the strengths of the submitted application materials and interview event, the Baltimore City Public School System will decide whether or not an applicant is accepted into the Baltimore City Teaching Residency.

All interviewees for the 2009 Winter Program will be notified of their status by October 16, 2008. (One day before the Praxis exam regular deadline.)

We understand that being denied admission can be a disappointment, and it is natural to want to know the reasons behind the district’s decision. However, because of the large number of applications we anticipate receiving, we cannot accommodate requests for personalized feedback on individual applications.