The Central Louisiana Instructional Partnership recognized its second group of teacher residency graduates in an August 2021 pinning ceremony. Now that they have completed their 15-month residencies, the nine individuals this fall began their careers as middle school math and science teachers.

CLIP is a paid teacher residency program with the goal of improving student achievement in rural school districts by preparing educators to teach in critical shortage areas – middle school math and science. 

Residents take part in a 15-month accelerated graduate program of study that culminates in a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Northwestern State University and a professional teaching certification. CLIP residents receive a stipend to cover the expense of tuition, as well as an annual stipend of $36,000 during their residency. While completing their graduate coursework, CLIP residents work alongside a trained and experienced mentor teacher throughout the academic year in a high-needs school identified by the nine partner public school districts.

When they complete the program, graduates are placed in a school where they receive two years of support with an induction coach. CLIP graduates agree to teach in Central Louisiana schools for at least three years following graduation.

2021 CLIP graduates and their fall teaching assignments are:

• Hannah Tarpley, Allen Parish, Oakdale Middle School, Math

• Charli Hauk, Avoyelles Parish, Bunkie Elementary, Math

• Anna Estis, LaSalle Parish, LaSalle Junior High, Science

• Christian Broussard, Natchitoches Parish, Marthaville, Math

• Samuel Wright, Natchitoches Parish, Fairview Alpha, Math

• Taylor Pullig, Natchitoches Parish, Lakeview Junior, Science

• Sharia Ashley, Vernon Parish, Leesville Junior High, Math

• Walker Dillon, Vernon Parish, Vernon Middle School, Math

• Hannah Roberts, Winn Parish, Winnfield Middle School, Math

CLIP is funded by a $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Partnership Program, plus $8 million in-kind matched funding from project partners.  The Orchard Foundation, the education arm of The Rapides Foundation, serves as the lead organization for CLIP. Project partners include the nine Central Louisiana school districts, NSU’s Gallaspy College of Education & Human Development and College of Business & Technology-Computer Information Systems; Urban Learning & Leadership Center; EvalWorks; and The Rapides Foundation.

The first cohort of CLIP residents completed the program in 2020. A third group began its work in 2021 and will graduate in 2022. Recruitment is under way for the fourth and final cohort, which will begin in June 2022.

How to apply

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, must not have a teacher certification and must apply and be accepted to NSU graduate school. Visit education.nsula.edu for a complete list of the M.A.T. requirements and how to apply.

To apply for CLIP, applicants need to complete and submit the CLIP application, essay, and release form to Lindlay Howell, CLIP Field Coordinator. These forms and instructions for the 2022 cohort are available for download at theorchardfoundation.org/clip

CLIP applicant interviews will be scheduled in May 2022, with the program slated to begin in June 2022. 

For more information, contact Howell at lhowell@theorchardfoundation.org or 318-767-3017.