Our Education Partner

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

During my time at American University, I not only achieved excellent grades but also gained invaluable experience through hands-on teaching opportunities, mentorship, and engaging coursework. This journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of educational principles, pedagogical strategies, and inclusive practices.

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)

 

Join a vibrant learning environment committed to developing an equity-driven community where all students are supported to realize their potential and cultivate successful careers in education.

American University has a proven commitment to serving children in urban public schools and is institutionally aligned with the City Teaching Alliance teaching methods. Founded in 2019, the new American University School of Education ranks in the top 7% of the best education schools in the US and is on the leading edge of teacher preparation with a unique approach emphasizing action, partnership, and local impact.

City Teaching Alliance and American University have partnered to offer a transformative Master’s degree for teachers. This degree combines high-quality K-12 instructional practices with an emphasis on understanding and appreciating a child’s community and culture. By getting your Master’s in Teaching, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to excel in the classroom and make a lasting impact on your students.

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 diverse student needs, combat educational inequities, and 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 and equity in education, such as:
    • Race, Culture, and Equity in Urban Education
    • Building Productive and Nurturing Classroom Communities
  • Special Education Foundations: Courses like Special Education: Promises & Challenges equip you to support students with diverse learning needs.
  • Introductory Subject Courses: Begin mastering your specialty with classes like:
    • Foundational Literacy for All
    • Math Immersion and the Human Experience
    • Creating Culturally Responsive Literacy Curriculum I
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:
    • Shape, Space, and Culture
    • Supporting Adolescent Writers Development
    • Algebra, Functions, and Modeling in the Real World
Summer/Fall Semester 2
  • Inclusive Teaching: Learn to build equitable learning environments in courses like:
    • Special Topics in Designing Equitable Learning
    • 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:
    • Social Studies for Social Justice
    • 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 equitable and 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!