UTF Students Gain Hands-On Experience Through Teacher Residency Program
Toccoa Falls, Ga. (September 9, 2026) – Four University of Toccoa Falls students from the School of Teacher Education are gaining valuable classroom experience this year through the Teacher Residency Program, with each student serving in one of the four elementary schools in Stephens County.
Caitlin Pittman is teaching kindergarten at Toccoa Elementary; Anniston Dunson is teaching kindergarten at Liberty Elementary; Geneva Baltazar is teaching 3rd grade at Eastanollee Elementary; and Kellie Dodd is teaching 5th grade at Big A Elementary.
Teacher Residency began in partnership with Stephens County in January 2023. The program was developed as a mutual response to the statewide teacher shortage and the district’s growing student population. Stephens County recognized the need to develop a strong pipeline of qualified teachers, while UTF saw an opportunity for some of its strongest teacher candidates to complete a paid clinical practice experience in the district where they wish to build their teaching career.
To qualify for the Teacher Residency Program, candidates must complete a two-step application process. First, candidates submit a teaching portfolio for review by the Teacher Education Program Committee (TEPC), which consists of professors from various departments across campus. The portfolio includes a video recording of the candidate teaching a lesson, the accompanying lesson plan, and evaluations of that lesson completed by both the mentor teacher and supervising professor using the Intern Keys Effectiveness System (IKES). Candidates must also submit a current résumé and three letters of recommendation: two from UTF professors outside the Education Department and one from the candidate’s mentor teacher.
After submitting the required materials, candidates participate in an interview with the School Dean and another faculty member. Following the interview, the TEPC reviews the candidate’s complete portfolio and documentation before voting on whether to approve the candidate as a Teacher Resident. If approved, candidates must successfully pass all GACE exams required for their Georgia certification before they can be hired by the district.
However, approval by the TEPC does not guarantee employment with Stephens County—a teaching position, for which the candidate is qualified, must become available in the district. If a position becomes available, the candidate’s portfolio is shared with the Assistant Superintendent, Mr. John Stith, and the principal of the school with the vacancy. The candidate may then participate in the district’s interview process, after which an offer of employment may be extended. The final decision to hire the resident rests solely with the district.
Candidates hired by the district as residents serve as the teacher of record under their Georgia pre-service certificate while completing their clinical practice requirements for graduation and certification. Because they have not yet completed their degree and initial certification requirements, they do not receive the same salary as a certified first-year teacher during their year-long residency. Upon graduation and receipt of their initial teaching certificate, they advance to the zero-year experience level on the state salary schedule. Although the residency year does not count toward their years of experience for salary purposes, residents are enrolled in the state retirement system and receive full medical benefits along with their salary.
This is the 5th year of the Teacher Residency Program, and the district and university have been pleased with its success. Stephens County has access to well-prepared teacher candidates, while UTF students have the opportunity to receive a small salary as they move through clinical practice while still receiving scaffolded support from both district-appointed mentor teachers and university professors.
According to Deputy Superintendent and Title IX Coordinator, Mr. John Stith, “Our teacher residency program is truly a win-win for everyone involved. We have the opportunity to help grow and develop the next generation of great teachers while also welcoming them into our schools and showing them what makes Stephens County Schools such a special place to work. They get to experience the ‘Stephens Way’ firsthand—our people, our culture, and our commitment to kids. One of the greatest outcomes is seeing residents choose to stay here, build their lives in our community, and continue serving our students long after their residency is complete. Personally, it has been a blessing to watch teacher residency students come into Stephens County Schools, fall in love with our schools and community, and then choose to stay and become part of our team. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching a future teacher grow from a college student into someone who is making a lasting difference in the lives of our kids. We believe education is one of the keys to unlocking the highest potential in every child’s future, and programs like this help ensure we have great teachers in our classrooms who share that belief. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership with UTF and the impact it continues to have on our students, schools, and community.”
These four students entered the residency program preparing to teach. They are leaving each classroom day learning what it means to serve. And as they answer the call to become educators, they are discovering that their greatest opportunity may be to use their gifts not simply to educate, but to make a lasting difference in the lives of the students entrusted to their care.
For more information on the Elementary Education program at the University of Toccoa Falls, visit https://utf.edu/degree/elementary-education/.
