Urban Teaching Academy Prepares Students for Challenges in the Classroom

Montclair State's Urban Teaching Academy (UTA) is one of three programs in the country to receive a $50,000 grant from the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (NCTAF) and the MetLife Foundation for successfully preparing quality educators to teach in high-need urban schools. These grants support efforts to improve the preparation and transition of new teachers into urban schools.

"We don't ask nurses to practice on patients without providing a collaborative, supportive work environment with mentoring, coaching and time to consult with colleagues," said NCTAF President Tom Carroll. "Why should teachers have to go it alone? We need to give new teachers the support they need to become members of strong learning teams in their schools."

The NCTAF views urban teaching academies as replicable models that can be modified to prepare teachers who will work in various settings, including small and rural schools. Recognized for its promising approach toward developing and retaining high-quality teachers through the melding of preparation and school redesign, Montclair State has remained strong in efforts to better prepare students enrolled in the UTA program.

The Urban Teaching Academy instructs and informs teaching candidates who make a commitment to teaching in urban schools. Students conduct research and fieldwork in cohorts, and develop the knowledge and understanding that correlate best with urban teaching and learning. Much of the coursework focuses on students familiarizing themselves with young people in Newark, Paterson and East Orange. Students enrolled in the UTA also become involved in a community internship, working with community-based organizations and institutions in the district where they will do their fieldwork and student teaching.

MSU carefully selects teachers, mentors an internship supervisors to collaborate with MSU faculty and staff and offers a comprehensive program that generates the best possible learning situations for UTA participants.  Mentors and cooperating teachers work closely with MSU faculty on curriculum design and school-based support.  Urban Teaching Academies are in high demand due to the increase of urban school teachers leaving their jobs.  Insufficient classroom support, poor preparation, and inadequate opportunities for career advancement are among the list of discrepancies cited by teachers who have chosen to give up their jobs.

California State University in Long Beach, California; Academy for Urban School Leadership in Chicago, Illinois; and Montclair State University.