A POWERFUL CALL TO ACTION IN PHILADELPHIA
In classrooms across Philadelphia, the greatest driver of student success is the quality and stability of the teaching staff. According to Let These Teachers Teach, a recent article in The Philadelphia Citizen, nearly one in three teachers in the city’s lowest‑performing schools hold “emergency permits” rather than full certification, and many lack the support needed to thrive.
Even more striking, the citywide return rate for new teachers after their first year is just under 80%, meaning roughly one in five leave the profession after only a year in the classroom.
By contrast, over 90% of new teachers supported by City Teaching Alliance returned to teaching this school year, surpassing the city average. These results show that with the right structures: cohort placement, full certification pathways, and sustained coaching and mentorship, educators not only enter the profession, but stay long enough to make the lasting impact students deserve. Read the full article here.
CEO SPOTLIGHT: RECLAIMING TEACHING AS AMERICA’S MOST RESPECTED PROFESSION
In her latest op-ed, City Teaching Alliance CEO Dr. Rahesha Amon reflects on the decline in public respect for teaching and the urgent need to restore it. Once one of the most admired professions in America, teaching is now at a breaking point. Today, only 37% of parents would want their child to become a teacher. Just 19% of educators see the profession as sustainable, and only 16% would recommend it to others.
But there is a better path forward. Drawing on her own experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, Dr. Amon highlights how City Teaching Alliance is helping rebuild trust in the profession through strong preparation, real respect, and sustained support. “The question is not whether we can find enough teachers to fill classrooms,” she writes. “The question is whether we will create conditions compelling enough to attract and retain the exceptional educators who will shape the future.”
Read the full op-ed: Reclaiming Teaching as America’s Most Respected Profession. For more from Dr. Amon, subscribe to her new monthly LinkedIn newsletter, ForwardED.
WELCOMING NEW LEADERSHIP ACROSS CITY TEACHING ALLIANCE
This fall, we’re proud to welcome three new leaders who bring bold vision and deep experience to their roles! Each of these leaders is deeply committed to advancing our mission locally and nationally, and we’re thrilled to have them guiding the next chapter of our regional impact. Welcome Dr. Terry, Dr. Washington, and Anthony!
LOOKING AHEAD: GIVING SEASON IS COMING!
As we approach the end of the year, we’re gearing up for a season of gratitude and giving. Our work is powered by the generosity of those who believe in bold, well-prepared, long-term educators, and in the students and communities they serve. Stay tuned in November for more about Giving Tuesday, impact stories, and ways to support our work as we close out 2025 and build forward into 2026!
2026 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Do you know someone ready to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities? City Teaching Alliance is now accepting applications for Cohort 2026.
Whether they’re a recent college graduate, a career changer, or someone seeking a purpose-driven profession, strong candidates will find a supportive, community-rooted pathway to becoming a transformational educator.
Head to cityteachingallinace.org to learn more.
We hope you will stay connected with us, our students, our educators, and our schools as we – and our growing network of powerful practitioners – continue to learn, innovate, and co-create the future of teaching and learning in our communities.
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City Teaching Alliance (formerly dba Urban Teachers) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN 27-0989006). To learn more about City Teaching Alliance, visit our website at CityTeachingAlliance.org or click here to donate.
Donations can also be mailed to:
City Teaching Alliance
PO Box 69625
Baltimore, MD 21264
Text-to-Give: INSPIRECHILDREN to 44-321
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