This brief from Prepared to Teach highlights the teacher residency model in which candidates are paid to learn in classrooms alongside mentor teachers, and it overviews some of the challenges such programs face. Based on research, this document addresses four persistent teacher quality issues: (1) attracting strong candidates, (2) teaching key skills, (3) preparing for high-needs positions, and (4) retaining talent. The brief suggests that districts and preparation programs harness local strengths to develop residencies that meet their needs by preparing excellent, committed teachers.