. >> reporter: tiffany bast is a former flight attendant in denver trying her best to become a teacher. >> there are times when i'm in the classroom by myself i cry and i think what am i doing? >> reporter: for help, she turns to fifth grade teacher stephanie franco. >> it is important for me to be her guide, her coach. >> reporter: mentor and apprentice. they're part of a fast growing trend in education called urban teacher residencies, modeled after medical residencies. >> we think of it as this process of standing side by side with someone who is experienced, being an apprentice for a period of time. >> reporter: in cities across the country, hundreds of rookies like bast are paired with veteran educators for one year. the aspiring teachers are paid, get thousands of dollars toward earning a masters degree, and something perhaps more valuable, real training. >> there are good days and bad days. on my bad days, i have somebody there to help. >> reporter: in return, the residents pledge to teach in urban schools for three to five years. low income, high needs districts struggle to ret