Saint Paul Urban Teacher Residency (SUTR) Undergraduate Program

Saint Paul Public Schools, in partnership with the University of St. Thomas, launched its inaugural pilot SUTR Undergraduate Cohort in Summer 2026. Designed specifically for dedicated non-licensed SPPS staff who aspire to become licensed Special Education Teachers, this job-embedded pathway removes traditional barriers to entering the profession.

It is yet to be determined if there will be another SUTR Undergraduate Cohort in the future; this will be contingent of funding. If you would like to be notified if/when there is an opportunity to apply, please respond to this SUTR Undergraduate Program Interest Form.

Program Overview

Degree & License Offered: Bachelor’s Degree & Tier 3 Academic & Behavioral Strategist (ABS) K-12 Special Education License
Program Length: Two-year program combining university coursework with hands-on, job-embedded learning
Financial & Professional Support: Maintain Paraprofessional salary and full employee benefits throughout the two-year residency
Mission: Recruits, prepares, and retains high-quality teachers who reflect the rich racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of SPPS students and community

Note: This program is specifically for undergraduate candidates. If you already hold a Bachelor’s degree, please visit the St. Paul Urban Teacher Residency (SUTR) Graduate Program page.

Eligibility Requirements

Current non-licensed SPPS staff member
Earned Associate’s Degree or 60+ undergraduate credits (inclusive of all 10 MN Transfer Curriculum Goal Areas)
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 across past coursework (case by case evaluation)
Commitment to earning a Bachelor’s degree and initial teaching license in Special Education

Partner Institutions for Prerequisites

If you do not yet hold an Associates Degree inclusive of the MN Transfer Curriculum, the Educator Development Team can help you! We partner with local institutions offering rolling admissions to help you prepare for SUTR Undergraduate Program.

College	Specialized Pathways Offered
Hennepin Technical College	They offer AAs in Child Development, Human and Social Services, and Individual Studies. These pathways that are great foundations for aspiring Special Education Teachers. They offer rolling admissions. We can help you get connected and started with HTC!
Inver Hills Community College	They offer an Associates of Arts Pathway and a Special Education Foundations Pathway that are great foundations for aspiring Special Education Teachers. They offer rolling admissions. We can help you get connected and started with IHCC!
Normandale Community College	Associate Degrees in Elementary, Special Education, and Secondary Education. Featuring Sirtify for Black men in education and SpedUp for future special educators.