Teach for a Just Future

Change Starts Here

Our teachers receive a master’s degree from our higher education partner and become dually certified to teach in either elementary education, secondary English or secondary math, and special education. We offer more comprehensive coursework and personalized support than any other teacher training program.

Learn to Transform lives in just 4 years

Our program is rigorous, and participants who complete their four-year commitment are prepared with the tools and skills needed to be an effective educator.

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Year 1

Resident

The pathway begins with a clinical Residency experience in a host classroom classroom setting. Residents work alongside a host teacher during the school day and receive extensive 1:1 coaching support from their highly-trained City Teaching Alliance instructional coach. After the school day, they take practice-based master’s level coursework. Residents become deeply integrated into the work of supporting students during their Residency year by conducting 1:1 and group assessments, leading mini-lessons, analyzing student work and data, and teaching small groups.

  • Immersive year-long training in a host classroom
  • Paid clinical experience
  • Begin 1:1 coaching
  • Begin Master of Arts in Teaching coursework

Year 2

Fellow

Teachers who meet all Residency year expectations and program requirements and receive a fall teaching position at a partner school in a subject or area that aligns with the content area of their program of study become Fellows and teachers of record. Fellows hold initial teaching credentials for their first two years as teachers of record. During the first Fellow year, 1:1 coaching continues to guide and support your practice. You will complete coursework and earn your master’s of arts in teaching degree.

  • First year as a full-time teacher
  • Full-time teacher salary and benefits
  • Continued 1:1 coaching
  • Earn Master of Arts in Teaching degree

Year 3

Senior Fellow

During the Senior Fellow year, coursework is complete, but coaching continues. Senior Fellows receive ongoing, regular guidance and instruction through coaching across the school year and complete state requirements for full certification or licensure by the end of the year.

  • Second year as a full-time teacher
  • Full-time teacher salary and benefits
  • Continued 1:1 coaching
  • Earn teaching credentials in content area and special education

Year 4

Alum

At the conclusion of the Senior Fellow year, our teachers are recommended for full teacher credentials, after having completed all program requirements. Opportunities in the teaching commitment year and beyond continually develop as City Teaching alliance cohorts grow. These include opportunities to serve as Summer Institute graduate assistants, coaches, mentors, and host teachers.

  • Third year as a full-time teacher
  • Full-time teacher salary and benefits
  • School and program leadership opportunities available
  • Ongoing access to City Teaching Alliance alumni network and programming

Take charge of your teaching journey

Masters Degree

A master's degree from American University, a nationally recognized leader in preparing anti-racist, community-driven teachers.

Paid all 4 years

An initial residency year of paid classroom experience and a full-time, full-salaried teaching position starting in Year 2.

1:1 Coaching

85 hours of 1:1 coaching over three years and coursework that promotes whole child success.

Dual Teaching Certificates

Receive two accredited teaching certificates, including Special Education.

“I joined [City Teaching Alliance] for its holistic approach to teacher preparation and development. Though rigorous, the residency year humbled my mind for learning, challenged my comfort zone for growing, and affirmed my passion for serving.”

Sinh N.

UCLA, Montréal, Québec, Cohort 2016

Preparing you for urban classrooms

We know that one of the most persistent problems in urban schools is high teacher turnover. Teacher attrition destabilizes schools and prevents students from learning. That’s why we equip our graduates with the skills and support they will need to succeed as long-term educators.

85 %
Educators who completed our program who are still in education
90 %
Of participants say the program gave them the skills they need to be effective in the classroom

Our program is intentionally rigorous. All children deserve an excellent education, and we commit to developing and supporting long-term, responsive, and effective educators.

Making Excellence Accessible

We believe there are no shortcuts to becoming a great educator and the cost of our program reflects the unmatched residency experience, coursework, coaching, and wrap-around support we provide. However, we are committed to making this program affordable and accessible. We provide financial support in the form of:

  • Signing bonus and transitional assistance
  • Grants
  • Scholarships
  • Financial Coaching

Are you a good fit?

We select the very best candidates for our program – only 40 percent of applicants are accepted – and prepare them thoroughly for their careers.

Ready to commit to a career in education?

Eager to work with students in communities that have been historically underserved?

Able to adapt and persevere through challenges?

Join the Alliance

Join the Alliance

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