Primary Education Residency in Urban Schools (PERUS)
Preparing Critical, Creative, and Caring Teachers
The PERUS Program is a selective residency model launched in 2023, designed to prepare future educators who are deeply committed to providing high-quality education in diverse, low-income urban schools. Rooted in collaboration, equity, and practical learning, PERUS supports pre-service teachers in becoming transformative educators through immersive, hands-on experience.
Program Overview
PERUS is a year-long residency program for pre-service teachers who:
- Are passionate about teaching in urban schools,
- Seek intensive, real-world classroom experience,
- Curious to see children’s growth throughout the year, and
- Want to learn from and with peers, mentor teachers, and university faculty
Residents begin the year in a supportive teaching role and gradually take on the responsibilities of a lead teacher under the guidance of a mentor. After completing the residency, participants transition into their student teaching placement or become teachers of record.
Key Benefits
- Residency team support: Residents receive support from a collaborative team of a mentor teacher, peers, and a Miami University professor.
- Professional development: Residents engage in school-wide staff meetings, PERUS seminars, workshops, community events, and conferences.
- Academic integration: Residents may take a self-designed capstone course (if they are seniors) and/or independent studies during their residency.
- Unique classroom placement: Each resident is the sole Miami pre-service teacher in their assigned classroom.
- Exploratory “Open House” weeks: Residents have the opportunities to experience different grade levels each semester to broaden your understanding of urban education.
- Distinction recognition: Residents may earn a certificate of Distinction in Primary Education Residency in Urban Schools of the TCE Department.
Selection Criteria
PERUS seeks candidates who are:
- Fully committed to the program and the teaching profession
- Coachable, receptive to feedback, and willing to grow
- Mature, independent, punctual, and collaborative
- Spontaneous and responsive to the dynamic needs of urban classrooms
