Residency-to-Master’s Fellows Program
The R2M Scholarship Fellows Program is an accelerated, cohort-based pathway for Residency Licensed teachers who are ready to continue beyond initial licensure and intentionally complete a master’s degree while teaching full-time.
This program is designed for educators who want a structured, affordable, and supported route from a Graduate Residency Certificate into a master’s degree program — without pausing their teaching career.
Program Snapshot
- Earn your teaching license and master’s degree
- Teach full-time while completing graduate coursework
- Cohort-based learning community
- Structured mentorship and coaching
- Leadership development opportunities
- Professional development and enrichment experiences
- Tuition support available (up to $8,500 per fellow)
Why should you apply?
- Accelerated pathway to teaching licensure and a master’s degree through a graduate certificate
- Selected coursework applied to the completion of your master’s degree
- Tuition support of up to $8,500 per fellow to help offset the cost of both the graduate certificate and master’s degree
- Structured mentorship designed to support beginning teacher development
- High-impact professional development and teacher leadership experiences that prepare fellows to lead in the classroom and beyond
- Cohort-based model providing a collaborative learning community that supports full-time teachers throughout the program
Eligible Licensure Areas
- Elementary education
- Middle grades (6-9)
- High school (9-12) in English, mathematics, science or social studies
- Special education (K-12)
Cost & Funding at a Glance
- Estimated Program Costs: Graduate certificate and master’s degree tuition (varies by coursework and credit load)
- Scholarship Support: Up to $8,500 per fellow
- Impact: Significantly reduces out-of-pocket tuition expenses
- Additional Support: Guidance on financial aid options and remaining balance planning
Who is this program designed for?
This program is for:
- Residency-licensed teachers currently teaching full-time
- Teachers committed to earning a master’s degree
- Educators seeking structured mentorship, funding and professional growth
This program is not for applicants who are not pursuing continued graduate-level study.
Apply Now
The pathway to the R2M fellowship is a simple, two-step process.
Step 1: Eligibility Review (required)
Submit transcripts and program interest form for review.
- Transcript and licensure eligibility review
- Confirmation of Graduate Residency Certificate eligibility
- Guidance on next steps
Step 2: Scholarship Application (if eligible)
Apply for the R2M Scholarship Fellows program. This is a competitive scholarship application process that requires a review of your academic and professional goals.
R2M Scholarship Program Application
What happens next?
If selected, you will join a cohort of educators receiving:
- Tuition support
- Structured mentorship and coaching
- Leadership development opportunities
- A seamless pathway from graduate certificate to master’s degree
Why R2M exists
The R2M Scholarship Fellows Program was created to support working educators in completing both licensure and advanced degrees through a structured, affordable, and highly supported pathway. The program strengthens teacher development, leadership capacity, and long-term retention in schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to be teaching full-time to apply?
Yes. Applicants must be currently teaching in a full-time classroom role in order to participate in the R2M Scholarship Fellows Program.
What is the first step in the application process?
All applicants must first complete an eligibility and transcript review to determine admission into the Graduate Residency Certificate pathway. Only eligible candidates may move forward to the scholarship application.
Is the scholarship guaranteed if I apply?
No. The R2M Scholarship is a competitive, limited award. Eligible candidates are invited to apply, and selections are based on academic preparation, professional goals, and program fit.
How much financial support is available?
Fellows may receive up to $8,500 in tuition support, which helps offset the cost of both the Graduate Residency Certificate and master’s degree coursework. Additional financial aid options may also be available.
Do I have to complete a master’s degree?
Yes. The R2M program is intentionally designed as a continuous pathway from Graduate Residency Certificate into a master’s degree program. Certificate coursework is applied toward degree completion.
How long does the program take to complete?
Program length varies based on course load and individual progress, but participants typically move seamlessly from the Graduate Residency Certificate into the master’s degree pathway while teaching full-time.
What makes this program different from traditional graduate programs?
Unlike traditional programs, R2M is designed for working teachers. Participants earn licensure and a master’s degree through a cohort-based, employment-integrated model with structured mentorship and financial support, allowing them to continue teaching full-time.