Residency

Residency Application 

 Thank you for your interest in the online residency application. Please read the application information and guidelines below before applying. For technical assistance, please contact the Office of Educator Preparation at edprep@etsu.edu.

The 2025-2026 Residency Application is now CLOSED.  Please email edprep@etsu.edu if you have questions. 

If you are interested in applying for the KAT or RITE Internships, you will need to complete an additional application. Click here to visit our webpage with more information on these Residency Opportunities.

 

Residency Requirements

• Completion of Background Check Package

  All undergraduate and graduate students who participate in an internship or residency placement must complete a new Background Check Package, which consists of fingerprinting and required documentation. This Background Check Package will be housed in the Office of Educator Preparation (OEP) and on file with Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI).

  Candidates should wait and complete this new Background Check Package during the months of May and June prior to the beginning of their residency year. Additional information will be given during Residency Orientation after the Residency Application closes. An Affirmation of Background Check will not be accepted.

  Please click here to view the steps for completing a Background Check Package.

• Professional Liability Insurance

  ETSU requires residency candidates to obtain Professional Liability Insurance before entering residency. Liability insurance should be purchased after May 31st so coverage will remain in effect for the duration of the residency year. Candidates should turn in proof of liability insurance (copy of card or receipt) to the Office of Educator Preparation by July 1st of their residency year. Submit proof of insurance electronically to the Office of Educator Preparation at edprep@etsu.eduor bring a printed copy to the office in Warf Pickel Hall, Room 305. Proof of insurance must be on file in this office before candidates are given their residency placement.

  *Job-Embedded students must maintain liability insurance until they have completed their program

   

  There are several ways to procure professional liability insurance:

  • 
    TEA - https://tnea.org/ - - You may obtain TEA/NEA student insurance online. Coverage is from September 1 to August 1, however, if this is your first time purchasing, membership begins from the date of purchase. Cost is approximately $35.00. Purchasing STEA also provides you membership to NEA (National Education Association).
  • Professional Educators of Tennessee - https://www.proedtn.org/. - Coverage begins immediately and lasts for 12 months; therefore, students need to purchase after May 31st so coverage will remain in effect the duration of the residency year. Cost is approximately $25.00.
  • Forrest T. Jones - https://www.ftj.com/home - To be eligible, you must be a member of a participating organization. Some examples are National Art Education Association (NAEA), National Association for Music Education (NAfMe), and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). A full list of participating organizations can be found on the website. Cost and coverage will vary by organization.
  • Rider on a homeowner’s insurance policy – Check with the company that provides your homeowner’s insurance to inquire about adding a Professional Liability Insurance rider. If you choose this option, verify that the coverage will be good for the entire Residency experience.
• Entering Test Scores

  Students entering a baccalaureate level educator preparation program must meet one of the following Test Score Requirements:

  • ACT: 21
  • SAT 1080
  • Praxis Core: Reading 156, Writing 162, Math 150

  
  Students who have not scored 21 or higher on the ACT and/or 1080 or higher on the SAT may also elect to take the Praxis Core series.  All ACT/SAT or Praxis Core Tests must be passed before beginning Residency II.

• Praxis specialty Area Content Assessments

  Praxis Specialty Area Content Assessments:
  The Praxis Specialty Area Content Assessments are taken by individuals entering the teaching profession as part of the certification process required by many states and professional licensing organizations. All required Praxis Specialty Area Content Assessments must be passed before candidates can be recommended for licensure. Candidates should attempt any required Praxis assessments as early as comfortably possible to ensure their ability to retest if necessary. We recommend beginning the summer preceding Residency I. If candidates do not pass the Praxis Specialty Area Content Assessments after the first attempt, they should consult with their department faculty for testing support before retesting. Requirements for candidates completing a graduate degree may vary by program. All required Praxis Specialty Area Content Assessments MUST be attempted and verification of the candidate’s score report(s) must be received in the Office of Educator Preparation no later than December 20 at noon during the semester before beginning Residency II. 

 

Residency Orientation

After the residency application closes, candidates will receive information about the mandatory Residency Orientation.

Candidates beginning Residency in the Fall will have Orientation in April before Residency begins.

Candidates beginning Residency in the Spring will have Orientation in December before Residency begins.