For many aspiring educators, the decision to become a teacher starts with a desire to make a tangible difference. You may remember a teacher who believed in you, feel called to work with young people, or simply believe that every student deserves an educator who sees their potential. Whatever brings you to education, becoming a teacher is a meaningful step, and having the right support along the way can make all the difference.
At City Teaching Alliance, we believe in caring for the adults who care for children. When educators have the support, community, mentorship, and opportunities to grow, they are better equipped to show up for their students. That belief is at the center of the Fellow experience and the work we do to prepare the next generation of education leaders.
Our Fellows learn by doing. They begin their teaching careers while receiving coaching, mentorship, coursework, certification support, clinical experience, and care throughout their journey. They learn alongside experienced educators, put what they are learning into practice, receive feedback, reflect on their experiences, and continue growing as both teachers and leaders.
Because teaching is not something you can fully learn from a textbook.
You learn it on your feet, in the classroom. You learn it when a lesson goes exactly as planned, and you learn even more when it does not. You learn it by building relationships with students, listening to their needs, learning from your colleagues, and figuring out how to make the next lesson better than the last.
For Joy Mpagi, a Year One Fellow in Dallas, her first year has been rewarding and has pushed her to grow both personally and professionally. Moving to Dallas, beginning her teaching career, and balancing a demanding course load has not always been easy, but Joy says the experience has shown her “the strength I have as a person and a student.” Through the challenges, she has continued to remind herself of her “why,” build relationships with her cohort, learn from her mentor, and grow as an educator.
One of Joy’s biggest lessons has been learning how to pivot. Her mentor teacher reminded her that teaching often requires educators to “pivot, restructure, and rethink lessons in real time.” For Joy, those moments have helped her understand that teaching requires problem-solving, flexibility, and tenacity. Her students have also been one of the most meaningful parts of her experience, inspiring her to continue learning and growing alongside them.
For Gelen St. Fluer Simeon, a Year One Fellow in Maryland, his Fellow experience has been grounded in community, purpose, and a commitment to continuous learning. Reflecting on his experience, Gelen shared, “I’m grateful to be in a space with people who want to give back to the community through education.” As a Fellow, he has valued being surrounded by people who share his commitment to serving students and making a difference through education. His experience has also reinforced the importance of staying teachable and continuing to grow throughout his career.
For Andrea Romero, a Third Year Fellow in Texas, her experience reflects another stage of the Fellow journey: continuing to grow as an educator, leader, and member of the education community. Each Fellow brings their own story, perspective, and reason for entering education, but they share a common commitment to learning, serving students, and becoming the kind of educators who can make a lasting difference.
These experiences reflect what we believe at City Teaching Alliance: growth does not happen alone.
Fellows are supported by coaches, mentors, their cohort, and a broader community of educators who understand the challenges and rewards of the profession. Through the 5Cs, Fellows have the opportunity to develop their skills, strengthen their practice, and build the foundation for a long-term career in education.
We care for the adults who care for children because we know that when educators are supported, they are better equipped to support their students. That is what makes the City Teaching Alliance experience more than preparation for the classroom. It is preparation for a career of learning, leadership, and impact.
That is why joining Cohort 27 is about more than bringing another group of aspiring teachers into the profession. It is about welcoming a new generation of educators who are ready to learn, lead, and make an impact.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you apply. You do not need to know exactly where your career will take you. You do need a commitment to students, a willingness to learn, and a desire to grow into the educator and leader you want to become.
If you are ready to begin your teaching journey with a community that will support you along the way, Cohort 27 could be your next step.
Applications are now officially open, and the first application deadline is September 28.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about City Teaching Alliance!
