Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools celebrated the 2026 cohort of the CMS Teaching Residency (CMSTR), an alternative educator preparation program that brings second-career professionals into CMS classrooms. The cohort was honored in a districtwide celebration at West Charlotte High School on May 12 that recognized their hard work, professional growth and dedication to students and the CMS community.

This year, CMS recognized its largest cohort to date: 222 residents on track to complete the program in this month, an increase of 180 from last year.

The CMS Teaching Residency, approved by the state in 2018, was launched to address teacher shortages by offering a nontraditional pathway into teaching for individuals transitioning from other careers. Initially focused on elementary and secondary math, the program has since expanded to include Exceptional Children, secondary science, English language arts, social studies and Multilingual Learners.

The 222 CMSTR educators are required to complete rigorous content-area coursework, attempt all state-required licensure exams and submit an edTPA teaching portfolio, all while leading their own classrooms with coaching and support full-time. Since its inception, the CMS Teaching Residency has brought more than 1,000 new teachers into the district.