In the UK "Residents" at a folk club, are the people who are guaranteed a spot every week come what may. They usually include the organiser(s) and a small clique of people who are not neccessarily regular, but have had the craved "resident" title bestowed upon their blessed selves by the powers that be. They do not class themselves as mere "floor spots" and will be sure to get to perform when a famous guest appears at the club, thus adding to their CV "played support to ..." I agree that a high proportion of folk club performers are school teachers. At my local club (folkmob) there are at least eight that I know of!

We also don't have "residents" we have a committe, but they all get equal play/sing time to any punter who walks in the door. There are currently no teachers on the committee. Blackheath folk club on the other hand is run by three teachers!!!