[PHILADELPHIA, PA | JUNE 9, 2025] City Teaching Alliance is proud to announce it has received a grant from the William Penn Foundation in support of its work to prepare and sustain exceptional, equity-driven educators across Philadelphia. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality education by strengthening the teacher pipeline in historically underserved communities.
“Building a strong, diverse teaching workforce takes coordinated effort across the entire pipeline from early exposure and preparation to certification, mentoring, and retention,” said Jennifer Stavrakos, Director of the Children and Families program at the William Penn Foundation. “We are proud to support City Teaching Alliance’s efforts to help aspiring teachers obtain certification and remain in the profession.”
As a national nonprofit rooted in local impact, City Teaching Alliance launched its Philadelphia site in 2021 to address the urgent need for diverse, committed teachers who are prepared to lead and remain in the profession. In just a few years, Philadelphia has become one of our fastest-growing sites, with strong demand from schools and aspiring educators alike. To date, City Teaching Alliance Philadelphia, has served more than 2,800 students and is currently partnered with 20 schools.
City Teaching Alliance’s Signature Approach provides a rigorous, multi-year pathway for aspiring educators, beginning with a year-long clinical residency and continuing through certification, mentorship, and early career development. Fellows earn a master’s degree from our university partner, complete over 80 hours of coaching and professional development annually, and receive tailored support to stay and thrive in the classroom long term.
“We are deeply grateful to the William Penn Foundation for investing in the future of Philadelphia’s students,” said Jeff Glowik, Executive Director of City Teaching Alliance Philadelphia. “Strong schools start with strong teachers, and this partnership will allow us to expand our impact, deepen our local partnerships, and grow the number of certified, culturally responsive educators working in our city’s classrooms.”
In Philadelphia, our work is made possible by collaboration with local schools and school system leaders. City Teaching Alliance works hand in hand with these partners to align teacher preparation with the real needs of classrooms to create a more sustainable, equitable educator workforce for the long term.
This grant will enable us to expand our reach in Philadelphia, respond to growing school district demand, and build additional supports that ensure aspiring educators not only enter the classroom but are set up to stay, lead, and transform the schools they serve.
To learn more about our work in Philadelphia and how to partner with us, visit: cityteachingalliance.org/location/teach-in-philadelphia/
