The Call to Teach in Washington, DC
Every moment matters for our students in DC classrooms. Every community in DC should have equal access to a high quality, empowering, and affirming education. The reality is that systems in DC have not served all students equitably, particularly those furthest from opportunity, and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have only exacerbated the gap in opportunity.
DC students and families deserve teachers that are exceptionally well-prepared, focused on culturally responsive teaching, and who relentlessly center not only student achievement, but student joy, belonging and wellness. DC has a rich history of local families and community members coming together to fight for educational equity and disrupt systems of oppression. Urban Teachers DC needs you to bring your unwavering commitment to social justice, your love for students, and your desire to become an excellent teacher here to partner in this continued effort, honoring and building upon the work happening in our communities each day.
Our Impact
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SCHOOLS0
PARTICIPANTS & ALUMNI0
STUDENTS BEING TAUGHT BY PARTICIPANTS 2020-210
STUDENTS BEING TAUGHT BY PARTICIPANTS SINCE 2010Why Urban Teachers
The Opportunity in DC
DC is a hub for innovation and opportunity, where you will be leading for equity in the nation’s capital. You will be proximate to thought leaders, policy makers, think tanks, local and national government, major foundations, as well as a thriving public and public charter sector. Long term, you will have the opportunity to participate in innovative and unique school models, collaborate with thought leaders across sectors, and have a voice in local and national conversations around education and education policy. Immediately, you will join a network of nearly 500 Urban Teachers residents and fellows working in over 100 schools, and a growing number of DC alumni who are teacher leaders, principals, founding school leaders, and community leaders.
In 2019, DC was named the nation’s fastest improving urban school district and DC’s starting teacher salaries are among the highest in the nation. Urban Teachers DC provides more coaching from exceptional faculty, more coursework grounded in culturally relevant pedagogy and concrete instructional strategies, and more time to prepare in a classroom than any other teacher preparation program. You will be supported by dedicated, passionate, and talented site staff, faculty, and coaches as you learn to become the excellent teachers DC’s brilliant students deserve.
CORE VALUES THAT SUPPORT OUR WORK
WE SERVE CHILDREN.
Children are the center of our work. We rely on the communities we serve to guide and inform the decisions we make about our curriculum, program and practice.
WE ARE AN ANTI-RACIST ORGANIZATION.
Children are the center of our work. We rely on the communities we serve to guide and inform the decisions we make about our curriculum, program and practice.
WE ARE LIFE-LONG LEARNERS.
Children are the center of our work. We rely on the communities we serve to guide and inform the decisions we make about our curriculum, program and practice.
WE VALUE EACH OTHER.
We value each other as whole people. We are servant leaders who foster a supportive working environment that is empathetic and caring, and values direct, constructive feedback.
It is our vision that every student in the United States is taught by committed, well-prepared, culturally competent teachers.
Living in DC
For a city whose geographical bounds are approximately 8 miles by 8 miles, DC has so much to offer. There is the image of DC geared towards tourists and outsiders – the White House, the National Mall, the Capitol, the monuments – which are remarkable. But then there is the District, composed of unique neighborhoods within eight distinct wards, each with their own flavor, places to explore, delicious cuisine, beautiful greenspace, and unwavering pride exhibited by its residents. You will spend the week immersed in your school communities, concentrated primarily in Anacostia, Congress Heights, Deanwood, Benning Heights, Brightwood Park, and Petworth. On the weekends, you might get wings and mambo sauce at Good Hope Carryout, listen to GoGo music on U street, have brunch on the Southwest Waterfront, or go for a hike in Rock Creek Park – just a few of the many ways to experience the District.
DC is simultaneously a cosmopolitan, global city with the size, community, and hallmarks of a small town. Whether you are a DC native who already knows how special it is to live in DC, or someone considering making DC your home, you will be embedding within a vibrant community of incredible people.
DC’s Impact
Since inception in 2010, Urban Teachers has grown to over 600 educators serving over 100,000 students across 120+ schools. Urban Teachers residents and fellows are deeply embedded in their school communities, and our growing alumni network is composed of superstar teachers, grade level leads, principals, school administrators, founding school leaders, and community leaders.