Discovering Passion and Purpose: KIPP Northern California’s Teacher Residency Program
At KIPP Northern California, our Teacher Residency program is designed to cultivate passionate, equity-minded educators who are committed to serving students. By blending theory and practice, the program aims to develop lifelong education practitioners through Master’s level coursework and hands-on teaching experience with a mentor. Gisella Navarro, a current teacher resident, and McKenna Torres, a mentor and former resident, recently shared their experiences in the residency program.
Journey to Teaching
For Gisella Navarro, the path to teaching was a journey of self-discovery. Initially set on pursuing law, she realized during her junior year of college that her true passion lay in education. “I always loved school and found comfort in learning,” she shared. Gisella’s transition to teaching was fueled by her desire to create positive school experiences for students, particularly in English. Her dedication to students’ growth and well-being has become her driving force.
McKenna Torres’s journey was shaped by her family’s teaching legacy and a pivotal moment during a protest with her mother. Although she initially aspired to be a journalist, her passion for education was ignited when she confronted a superintendent about teachers’ pay. “That’s when I realized I needed to get into education,” she said. McKenna’s commitment to education reform and her love for teaching have kept her at KIPP King Collegiate, her alma mater, for six years.
A Day in the Life of a Teacher Resident
Gisella’s typical day as a resident involves co-teaching with McKenna, planning lessons, and providing direct support to students. She describes the experience as being a full-time teacher while also being a graduate student, balancing classroom responsibilities with her coursework. “I feel like a part of the campus and have all the responsibilities and benefits of full-time teaching,” Gisella explained.
“I feel like a part of the campus and have all the responsibilities and benefits of full-time teaching.”
Gisella Navarro
Gisella and McKenna in front of their classroom door.
McKenna reflected on her residency experience, highlighting the structured support and valuable mentorship she received. KIPP Northern California’s residency program ensures residents are paired with high-performing teachers and receive comprehensive training. “I had a whole year of experience to back me up [before I became a teacher],” McKenna noted, emphasizing the program’s focus on preparation and support.
The Impact of Mentorship and Community
The KIPP Northern California Teacher Residency program is built on a foundation of strong mentorship and community. McKenna, who now mentors residents like Gisella, values the collaboration and mutual growth that comes with the role and highly appreciates the partnership and support of her own work in the classroom. The mentorship offered through the program is core to the strength and success of our teaching staff.
Gisella’s experience with her mentor has been markedly different from her prior teaching experiences. The intentionality in matching residents with mentors and the program’s emphasis on advocacy and support has made a significant impact on her development as an educator. “The supports are so embedded that I don’t even think about them anymore,” she said. Our residents have ongoing observation sessions, lesson planning support, and coaching.
McKenna and Gisella celebrating Gisella’s graduation from the Alder Graduate School of Education Master’s program.
Why Choose KIPP Northern California’s Teacher Residency?
Our residency program’s commitment to racial equity is a cornerstone of its approach. Each resident seminar includes a racial equity session, challenging participants to confront and address social constructs within education. At KIPP, we believe embedding racial equity in our work goes hand in hand with preparing students with the skills and confidence to lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.
Additionally, the program’s clear performance management plan and high-touch support with job placement ensure our residents are well-prepared for their teaching careers. Over 70% of the program’s alumni continue to work with KIPP Northern California, and many go on to leadership roles within the organization. Geneva Europa, Associate Director of Teacher Residency at KIPP Northern California, has seen many residents and mentors grow their careers at KIPP. She shared, “Many of our mentors grow from the mentorship experience and become Associate Principals or Content Specialists at our schools. Four of our current KIPP principals are former mentors.”
It’s incredible to see the ripple impact of the residency on our region!
Geneva Europa, Associate Director of Teacher Residency
By fostering a supportive, equity-focused environment, the program equips educators like Gisella and McKenna with the tools they need to make a lasting impact on their students and communities. As McKenna aptly put it, “KIPP is a big family,” and this sense of community and dedication to excellence is what makes our residency program truly exceptional.
Ready to start your career as an educator? Apply to our Teacher Residency program today!
