American University

Our Education Partner

Best in class

The American University School of Education is a nationally recognized leader in preparing community-driven teachers.

Transform Your Impact. Teach with Purpose.

City Teaching Alliance and American University have teamed up to offer a cutting-edge Master’s in Teaching—designed for future educators who want to lead with equity, community, and real-world impact.

Ranked in the top 7% of U.S. education schools, AU’s School of Education prepares teachers with strong instructional skills and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Join a program that empowers you to thrive in the classroom—and transform student lives.

“I am proud to be part of the first cohort from City Teaching Alliance to graduate from American University. This experience has been transformative, shaping me into a dedicated and passionate educator ready to make a positive impact in the classroom.

I am looking forward to applying my knowledge and skills to create meaningful learning experiences for students and contribute positively to the field of education.”

—Faith Arthur (Cohort 2022, DC)

 

Why Should Teachers Pursue a Master’s Degree?

Earning a Master’s degree in Teaching not only enhances your expertise but also deepens your ability to create inclusive and effective learning environments. This advanced training prepares educators to address unique student needs to accelerate student achievement.

We offer three specialized pathways tailored to your chosen subject and grade level:

  • Elementary Education and Special Education
  • Secondary English, Language Arts, and Special Education
  • Secondary Mathematics and Special Education

While each pathway features courses that align with your program of study, there are also courses that every educator will take. Let’s break down what each semester will look like as a City Teaching Alliance educator and graduate student at AU!

Summer/Fall Semester 1:
  • Core Courses: Focus on student-centered teaching, such as:
    • Building Productive and Nurturing Classroom Communities
  • Special Education Foundations: Courses like Special Education: Promises & Challenges equip you to support students with different learning needs.
  • Introductory Subject Courses: Begin mastering your specialty with classes like:
    • Foundational Literacy for All
    • Math Immersion and the Human Experience
Spring Semester 1
  • Special Education Focus: Continue exploring strategies for supporting students with exceptionalities in courses like Special Education: Promises & Challenges.
  • Subject-Specific Learning: Dive deeper into your field with courses such as:
    • Supporting Adolescent Writers Development
    • Algebra, Functions, and Modeling in the Real World
Summer/Fall Semester 2
  • Inclusive Teaching: Learn to build dynamic learning environments in courses like:
    • Adolescent Development and Urban Youth
    • Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices
  • Refining Your Craft: Hone your teaching skills with advanced courses, such as:
    • Accelerated Learning Literacy
    • Specialized Instructional Techniques
    • Data and Community: Statistics and Probability in Action
Spring Semester 2
  • Capstone Courses: Conclude your Master’s journey with final coursework focused on your specialty, such as:
    • Motivation and Engagement of Adolescent Readers and Writers
    • Calculus in Context: Cultivating Change through STEM

A Commitment to Excellence

While course titles may vary slightly year-to-year, every educator in our program benefits from a comprehensive, best-in-class curriculum designed in partnership with American University. This preparation ensures you have the skills to thrive as a teacher and drive meaningful change in your classroom and community.

Ready to see how a Master’s degree for teachers can empower you to create an impactful learning environment for every student? Click the button below and get in contact with a member of our team or take this quiz to see if teaching is for you! 

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