The LAMS program is an intensive year-long teacher training program focusing on practice, content, theory and pedagogy. The residency program works to apply mathematical and scientific thinking in all aspects of teaching and learning; and to retain highly effective mathematics and science teachers in high-need, urban schools.

In the first residency year, teacher candidates, referred to as Residents, are paired together at a diverse urban school and assigned to a highly trained certified mentor to learn how to teach effectively and increase student engagement and achievement in mathematics and/or science. The pair collaborates and co-teaches, with the resident receiving more frequent and substantial opportunities to lead the class as the year progresses.

Accompanying this mentorship is a set of graduate level courses that are taught weekly by clinical faculty with consistent interactions with the STEM and education faculty. At the completion of the program, Residents will earn a California Preliminary Single Subject Math, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics teaching credential from LMU School of Education as well as graduate units that can be used towards a Master of Arts degree in Urban Education and the mentors earn a TL Certificate.


Highlights of the LAMS Residency:

• Residents co-teach with mentor teachers who are located in the same school, teach the same grade and subject area as the Resident

• Mentors spend more than 5 hours observing their Resident while Resident teaches in their classrooms

• Residents are trained by their mentor in assessment strategies, classroom management, instructional techniques, lesson planning, professional development, teaching diverse students and motivating student learners
  

• LAMS offers "communities of practice" which connect Residents to their former university or college, teachers who teach in their discipline and teachers who teach at their school

• Prepares future math and science teacher to...
• Create and maintain a classroom environment that promotes social development, collaboration and responsibility
• Develop students' questioning and discussion skills
• Evaluate curriculum for its usefulness and appropriateness for your students

"The LAMS Residency provides an excellent foundation in sound educational practices.  Career changers, who already bring strong professional skills to the teaching profession will find their learning curve dramatically decreased due to the LAMS training model.  The rigor and excellence of the LAMS Residency builds a bridge to close the experience gap so that seasoned professionals can positively impact urban education." -Joan Wicks, LAMS Resident and Career Changer

To read the Spring 2011 Report, Evaluation of the Los Angeles Math and Science Residency (LAMS), click here.


To apply to the LAMS Residency, click here.