Your purpose changes
what’s possible.
Join Winston-Salem TEACH and become a catalyst for opportunity in Winston-Salem.
“More than a teaching program, it’s a movement for a stronger Winston-Salem.”
Invests in People
You bring the passion. We provide the preparation, mentorship, and support.
Strengthens Schools
Fully-licensed, committed teachers in classrooms that need them most
Builds a Brighter City
Better schools create stronger neighborhoods and more opportunities for all.
A Lasting Impact
Your work today shapes the future of Winston-Salem.
Real preparation.
Real experience.
A real difference.
Winston-Salem TEACH is a unique, paid teacher residency and apprenticeship program designed to prepare aspiring educators to become fully licensed teachers while making a meaningful difference in the Winston-Salem community. Selected residents complete 14 months of graduate coursework leading to initial teaching licensure and a Master’s degree, while gaining hands-on classroom experience in a local high-need school.
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Upon successfully completing their preparation, residents are prioritized for hire as full-time teachers-of-record in a high-need Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school of their choice, where they commit to teaching for three years. Throughout this journey, residents benefit from financial support, experienced mentors, individualized coaching, and a supportive network of educators and community leaders. More than a pathway into teaching, Winston-Salem TEACH offers the opportunity to join a select group of educators committed to ensuring that every child in our community has access to an excellent teacher.
More than a place to teach,
a place to grow.
WS-TEACH offers a comprehensive experience designed to set you up for a thriving career in education and a meaningful life in Winston-Salem.
Hands-On Experience
Personalized Support
Coaching, professional development, and a community that has your back.
Financial Support
A competitive stipend during your residency year and pathways to long-term teaching positions.
A Clear Path to Certification
Earn your teaching license while gaining valuable experience.
Belong to a Purpose-Driven Community
Join a diverse cohort of future education leaders who care about equity, opportunity, and impact.
Make a Lasting Impact in Winston-Salem
Be part of a citywide commitment to excellent teaching and stronger neighborhoods.
What residents receive.
Winston-Salem TEACH provides the resources, relationships, and real-world experience you need to launch a successful and meaningful career in education.
Living-wage residency stipend
Residents receive a $47,000 stipend during their first year, with additional support for summer training.
Master’s degree and teacher licensure
Complete 14 months of graduate coursework and earn a Master’s degree while obtaining North Carolina initial licensure.
Hands-on classroom preparation
Gain immersive experience in high-need WS/FCS schools, learning from expert mentor teachers and engaging in real-world teaching from day one.
One-on-one mentoring and coaching
Receive individualized support from experienced mentor teachers and ongoing coaching during your first years of teaching.
A network of three universities
Join a collaborative program through Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, and Salem College, combining the strengths of three renowned institutions.
A lasting place in Winston-Salem
Become part of a supportive community of educators and commit to at least three years of teaching in a high-need Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school.
Why Winston-Salem?
Known as the “City of Arts and Innovation,” Winston-Salem offers the best of mid-sized-city living, combining a vibrant arts and cultural scene, exceptional affordability, welcoming neighborhoods, and the convenience of minimal traffic. With the Blue Ridge Mountains and North Carolina’s beautiful beaches just a few hours away, Winston-Salem offers an extraordinary quality of life where big-city opportunities meet small-town charm. There’s a reason why it’s been voted one of the best places in North Carolina to live, work, and make a difference.