Long Beach Teacher Residency Grant Reduces Barriers for Aspiring Educators

A new teacher residency program in Long Beach is alleviating financial challenges for future educators while enhancing the district’s capacity to fill high-need teaching positions.

The Long Beach Teacher Residency, a state-funded partnership between Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) and Cal State Long Beach’s College of Education, provides teacher candidates with a $34,200 annual stipend, mentoring, and professional development as they complete their student teaching year. In exchange, participants commit to teaching in LBUSD schools for a minimum of four years.

The program will accept up to 30 residents each year for four years, with placements in the Urban Dual Credential Program and the UTEACH bilingual authorization program. These tracks focus on preparing special education and dual-immersion Spanish-speaking teachers, two of the most in-demand areas for the district. Residents will work in LBUSD classrooms for the whole school year, gaining more time for training, co-teaching, and building strong relationships with students and colleagues.

“This program tears down barriers and builds the next generation of educators, ensuring students learn from the best, right here in Long Beach,” Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker said.

In addition to stipends, participants benefit from intensive mentoring, small-group support, preparation for required credentialing exams, and regular check-ins with district and university leaders. The initiative also includes opportunities for residents to substitute teach on Fridays, helping them further integrate into school communities and deepen connections with future colleagues.

The residency program is funded through a four-year state grant awarded in 2025, one of 23 such partnerships across California totaling $58 million. The grant can be used through 2031, allowing Long Beach and Cal State Long Beach to plan for sustainability and expansion.

District leaders view the residency as a critical step in removing barriers for aspiring teachers who might otherwise struggle to manage unpaid student teaching. It also ensures that LBUSD continues to attract and retain a diverse, well-prepared pool of educators committed to excellence and equity.

Learn more about the residency program and its impact through Cal State Long Beach’s full story here. Additionally, the application period for the 2026–2027 residency cohort will begin in early 2026. Please click here for more information.