Urban Teacher Education Program University of Chicago

UChicago UTEP Prepares Teachers for Urban Schools

The University of Chicago (UC) is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. Internationally recognized for its strong dedication to advanced academic scholarship and intellectualism, it is affiliated with dozens of Rhodes Scholars and Nobel Prize laureates.

The University of Chicago Urban Teacher Education Program (UChicago UTEP) prepares high quality teachers for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and tests real-world models for urban teacher preparation. It is part of the Urban Education Institute, which includes the Universityt of Chicago Consortium on Chicago Schools Research, a group that measures inputs and outcomes in Chicago Public Schools.

Urban-oriented by design, the graduate University of Chicago Urban Teacher Education Program was developed to address the differentiated career support needs of aspiring, novice, and experienced teachers. The program is taught by educators with urban classroom teaching experience, who examine issues of race, class, language, and culture purposefully and in-depth throughout the curriculum.

Graduates of the program are classroom-based school leaders who approach teaching as a highly intellectual profession and a means for promoting educational equity and social justice.

Highly Ranked Program Awarded U.S. Dept. of Education Grant

The National Council on Teacher Quality ranked the University of Chicago Urban Teacher Education Program as the top graduate elementary teacher preparation program in Illinois in 2009. UChicago UTEP is also the recipient of a $12 million grant from the US Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement, and a grantee of the National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.

UChicago UTEP Curriculum Overview

The University of Chicago Urban Teacher Education Program is a 5-year experience, including a graduate curriculum that combines rigorous academic coursework with ongoing teaching experiences that evolve in scope as students advance through the 2-year Master of Arts in Teaching program. A cohort for collaborative learning and peer support, it continues for 3 years beyond graduation with a wide range of support programs for alumni working in Chicago Public Schools.

UChicago UTEP students receive a broad exposure to Chicago Public Schools. For example, during their foundations year, they visit and observe up to 15 CPS sites as part of their fieldwork. Additionally, during their residency year, students work with master teacher clinical instructors in 2 different schools.

Master's Degree in Teaching with 3 Certification Options

The University of Chicago UTEP awards the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree with 3 options for Illinois teaching certification. They are MAT-Elementary, with certification for grades K-9; MAT-Secondary Biology, with certification for grades 6-12; and MAT-Secondary Mathematics, with certification for grades 6-12.

Coursework, Fieldwork, Residency, and Beyond

The University of Chicago Urban Teacher Education Program is half part-time (12 months) and half full-time (12 months). In their foundations year, students take a 3-quarter Foundations of Education sequence as part-time graduate students. The sequence combines academics, methods classes, guided fieldwork, students collaborations, and a unique "soul strand" that explores teacher identity through multiple media.

Candidates who successfully complete the foundations sequence are invited to apply to become residents. The residency year spans 5 quarters (12 months) and includes an intensive yearlong clinical experience that is complemented by a professional teaching seminar and coursework. During the final half of the program, residents are assisted in their job search.

Years 3, 4, and 5 consist of post-graduation support. Alumni working in Chicago Public Schools receive 3 years of supports, including in-classroom coaching, alumni workshops, inquiry groups, teacher-leadership training, and an online professional community.

Supporting Success with Diversity Programs

UChicago UTEP supports its curriculum with 3 complementary diversity programs that help aspiring teachers handle personal and interpersonal race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation challenges in the urban school setting.

The Symposia Series features panels, presenters, and invited guests who examine the nuances and intersections of race, ethnicity, class, culture, sexual orientation, and other points of difference. The Mentoring Program builds one-to-one relationships between aspiring teachers and experienced educators. Affinity Groups bring students together on a regular basis to discuss shared experiences based on racial identity and cultural backgrounds.

Job Placement and Retention Rates

As of August 1, 2011, 100% of UChicago UTEP's Class of 2011 was employed. In addition, approximately 96% of UChicago UTEP teachers are still teaching after 5 years.

Tuition Assistance for Multi-Year Teaching Commitment

Students admitted to the University of Chicago Urban Teacher Education Program receive up to $36,000 in tuition assistance for committing to teach in Chicago Public Schools for 3 to 4 years.

Campus and Surroundings

The University of Chicago campus is situated on 211 urban acres in the historic Hyde Park district of the city, about 7 miles south of downtown Chicago. The university and its surrounding community are both well known for their rich cultural life, diversity, open green spaces, gardens, and access to Lake Michigan.

• Degrees Offered
• Major Degree Levels Offered
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

• Degrees Awarded
• Master's Degrees Not reported
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• * Shows the number of degrees awarded for the last academic year that data was reported.

• Earning Your Degree
• Part-time study available? Not reported
• Evening/weekend programs available? Not reported
• Distance learning programs available? Not reported
• Terminal master's degree available? Not reported

• Degree Requirements
• Master's Degrees Not reported
• Doctoral Degrees Not reported
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported