JOIN CITY TEACHING ALLIANCE ON DAF DAY THIS OCTOBER 10TH!
This is more than a job placement, it’s building a future for yourself in our communities
We empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your future. Our regional tool is your compass to compare and contrast four distinct regions—each offering you a unique experience. Dive into the details that matter to you, from cohort size to cost of living, salary, transportation, and more.
Ready to make a high impact now? We have a particularly high need for teachers in our Baltimore and Philly regions. These are incredible cities with great opportunities for educators to advance their careers and have a significant demand for both Elementary and Secondary teachers. Plus, Baltimore and Philly have the highest Residency Stipends of our four regions!
Cost of Living:
Medium
Residency Stipend:
$30,000
Fellow Minimum Salary:
$53,895
Rent – Single:
1) 1 Bedroom: $900- $1,600
2) 2 Bedroom: $1,100- $2,400
Rent – Shared:
1) 2 Bedroom Shared: $550- $1,200
2) 3 Bedroom Shared: $500- $1,100
3) 4 Bedroom Shared: $400- $1,050
Housing partnerships available?
City Teaching Alliance Baltimore partners with a variety of organizations that provide housing for educators at a reduced cost, including Teacher Props (will defer 1st month of rent & can pay back in installments over the next 2 months, if you apply early) and Seawall
1) In Maryland as a whole, there are a plethora of tax credits and student loan relief programs that apply specifically to educators.
Maryland Quality Teacher State Tax Credit: Up to $1,500 state credit for educators taking graduate-level courses)
Maryland Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit: Up to $5,000 credit toward student loans
Janet Hoffman Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program: Up to $10,000 a year (depending on debt amount) for 3 years for public school teachers
Maryland 529 College Savings Plan:Up to $1000 per year if you are under 26 years old
2) In Baltimore specifically, teachers can earn more than $90,000 after just a few years in the classroom using BCPSS career pathways.
3) Baltimore City Public Schools offers a generous tuition reimbursement plan that educators can take advantage of during their first fellow year and beyond. 50% tuition reimbursement for Master’s Degree and above. Main requirement is that educators are employed with BCPSS for 2 years after receiving this reimbursement & have a B or above in the course.
4) Baltimore City Public Schools offers Sabbatical Leave for employees of 7+ years for study and travel! Employees receive 50% of their normal pay during this leave.
Programs of Study Offered:
Minimum GPA Requirement:
2.50
Entrance Exam Requirements:
In place of the PRAXIS Core exam (code 5752), Maryland accepts a 3.0 cumulative GPA OR qualifying SAT, ACT, or GRE scores.
Ability to Bypass Testing Requirements? (through transcripts/ GPA exemption):
Yes
Additional Certifications Offered:
SPED
Depends on Program of Study and specific certifications
Car Required/ Public Transit:
There is Public Transit, but not comprehensive. Vehicle Recommended
Year Region Established:
2010
School Partners (Districts, Charters, etc):
Throughout Baltimore City (Baltimore City Public Schools is our only district partner). All of our participants teach in public schools. Baltimore is unique & offers a range of public school models and specializations, from early college programs to vocational-technical schools, language immersion, visual and performing arts, and STEM emphases.
Number of Participants/Alums In the Region:
454 participants and alums working in classrooms in 98 schools across Baltimore
% of current/most recent cohort who identify as a person of color:
70%
Current number of Residents:
Cohort 2023 (Residents): 24
Current number of Fellows/Senior Fellows/Alumni Year participants:
129
Cohort Size:
24-52
Sexual Orientation Legal Protections:
Yes – #12 most LGBTQIA friendly state, according to The Equality Index.
Gender Identity Legal Protections:
Yes – Governor Wes Moore recently signed an executive order to protect gender affirming health care in Maryland.
Resident Schedule Benefits/Things to Know:
Since City Teaching Alliance educators are not Baltimore City Public School employees during their residency year, there is a lot more flexibility with programming and stipend payout. – Baltimore residents are released from their schools twice a week at noon for American University coursework, so they are not in coursework in the evening. – Baltimore residents are released approximately 8 Fridays a year for PD/ wellness days. Half the day are PD sessions and the other half residents have off!
Things to do in the region:
Baltimore is a cultural and historical hub where you can visit free art and history museums, indoor and outdoor markets, unique events (like Artscape, Flower Mart, the Maryland Book Festival, and AFRAM: one of the largest African American life, music and culture fairs on the east coast), tons of parks, sports leagues and sporting events, music and theater shows, and enjoy a wide variety of food (most importantly seafood).
What makes your city great?
1) Baltimore has all the big city resources, but also holds nicknames like “Smalltimore” and “Charm City” because of its community feel and distinctly unique neighborhoods.
2) Baltimore is a quick trip away from many major cities like DC, New York, and Philadelphia (you can often get $5 Amtrak tickets from Baltimore to all these cities), but is a fraction of the cost to live here
3) The cost of living in Baltimore is lower than average — both in the US at large, and in the state of Maryland. In terms of major cities where you can live well for less, Baltimore ranks #3 in the nation.
Unique Features:
1) Maryland recently passed exciting legislation called The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which will raise teacher salaries statewide & financially incentivize well-trained educators (which City Teaching Alliance Educators will be, by the end of programming!)
2) In Baltimore City Public Schools, the English learner population doubled over the past 6 1/2 years. Eleven percent of students receive ESOL services, and that number grows by 15% each year, making it the fastest-growing student population within the district.
Please note that ESOL is not a certification area for City Teaching Alliance Baltimore, although City Teaching Alliance educators could have large numbers of ESOL students in their general education classrooms. This is a certification that can easily be added on after City Teaching Alliance programming.
Community partnerships:
Teacher Props, Leadership for Educational Equity, Living Classrooms, Sherman Scholars Program, Arts for Learning Maryland, and many more!
Where in the city do we work?
Throughout Baltimore City (Baltimore City Public Schools is our only district partner). All of our participants teach in public schools. Baltimore is unique & offers a range of public school models and specializations, from early college programs to vocational-technical schools, language immersion, visual and performing arts, and STEM emphases.
Alum/school leadership presence in the city?
We have a rich network of alumni and partners throughout the city, many of whom have been recognized as Baltimore City Teacher of the Year (Kyair Butts, Cohort 2019) or as a finalist (Kathryn (Kat) Locke-Jones, Host Teacher). Others are recognized as model teachers (Jevons Liu, Katrina Bacovcin).
We have Executive Directors of Schools (Tim Smith, Southwest Baltimore Charter School), Assistant Principals (Samra MeKonen, Henderson Hopkins).
Others are forging new supports for students, like Michael Payne, Co-Founder & current Director of Teaching and Learning, Black Male Educators Alliance, and Michael John, who started an after-school boxing program, with tutoring called the Agoge Project. (Some residents volunteer here as well!)
“The best part about working with City Teaching Alliance is knowing that I came to Baltimore City Public Schools prepared and equipped to uplift and educate the children of Baltimore City. I have community as well, and that’s priceless.” —Devante W.
“For some, the longer they’re in education, the more cynical they get. They can’t help but see minor cracks and faults. For me, however, the longer I work with Baltimore City Public Schools, the more committed I am to be a healthy presence for my kids in the classroom. Too often we complain about what is not or what is wrong, yet we have the most resilient kids in the state and probably the country. We have some kids that have to grow up all too soon. Some are tasked with more responsibility than we as adults shoulder, and yet they come to school, grind, work, learn — and they do it without complaint. Whatever your call to service is, answer it. I am forever grateful that when Baltimore City Public Schools “called” and asked me to serve that I answered because there is no greater district with more resilient kids than ours. I am at my most powerful when I am serving. I am greeted each morning by the hopes, dreams and passions that will lead this city and state into the next decade, century and beyond. I am surrounded by the curiosity, intellect and drive that make me proud to represent Baltimore City Public Schools. You see, when some say we can’t, I say we can and we will — it’s what serving is all about.” —Kyair Butts (2019 Baltimore City Teacher of the Year):
Cost of Living:
Medium-High
Residency Stipend:
$31,000 (salary)
Fellow Minimum Salary:
$51,000
Rent – Single:
$1,000-$2,000 (one bedroom)
Rent – Shared:
$750-$1,000
Housing partnerships available?
Yes – first year Residents can receive up to 30% off market value rent and waived introductory fees
Teach Grant: Grant award varies in amount up to $3,777; Americorps (eligible after Year 2): $6,895
Programs of Study Offered:
ELEM; Math; ELA
Minimum GPA Requirement:
2.5
Entrance Exam Requirements:
Transcript review; previous standardized test scores reviewed
Ability to Bypass Testing Requirements? (through transcripts/ GPA exemption):
Yes
Additional Certifications Offered:
Yes – ESL, SPED, Mental Health
$486
Car Required/ Public Transit:
Vehicle Recommended
Year Region Established:
2016
School Partners (Districts, Charters, etc):
Two partners: Dallas Independent School District; Uplift Education
Number of Participants/Alums In the Region:
370
% of current/most recent cohort who identify as a person of color:
70%
Current number of Residents:
41
Current number of Fellows/Senior Fellows/Alumni Year participants:
120
Cohort Size:
31-137
Sexual Orientation Legal Protections:
Yes
Gender Identity Legal Protections:
Yes
Resident Schedule Benefits/Things to Know:
Dependent on program of study: Monday-Thursday 5:30-8:30 PM.
Things to do in the region:
Thriving music and restaurant scene, fantastic parks, trails & hiking
What makes your city great?
20 vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, including the nation’s largest arts district; Dallas has one of the largest LGBTQ neighborhoods in the United States; Dallas is also home to 24 Fortune 500 companies
Unique Features:
The Dallas Independent School District is “one of the nation’s fastest-improving school districts,” according to the Council of the Great City Schools. DISD: (2021-22) 71% Hispanic/Latino 20% Black/African American
Community partnerships:
The Educator Collective; For Oak Cliff; Dallas TRHT; Not My Son; Journeyman Ink
Where in the city do we work?
There are City Teaching Alliance educators across the DFW metroplex; however, we are currently only placing in our partner classrooms within Dallas County
Community partnerships:
The Educator Collective; For Oak Cliff; Dallas TRHT; Not My Son; Journeyman Ink
Where in the city do we work?
There are City Teaching Alliance educators across the DFW metroplex; however, we are currently only placing in our partner classrooms within Dallas County
Alum/school leadership presence in the city?
We count many Principals (Stanley Ford, Cohort 2016) and Assistant Principals (Katie Testut, Cohort 2016; Victoria Powell, Cohort 2016) in our network.
Alumni are also in leadership positions at groundbreaking organizations (Joey Rodriguez, Cohort 2018, Program Director, Leadership ISD & Executive Director & Founder, Firme DFW; Jeff McGuire, Cohort 2016, Director of Communications at Charter School Growth Funds).
We also have LEE Public Policy fellows in our network (Matthew Berger, Cohort 2020; Chris McNeil, Cohort 2019)!
“Teaching is not for the faint of heart. There are many days that you’re going to leave feeling drained physically, mentally, and emotionally. The students are looking to you for guidance. You’re not there to save anyone, but you’re there to be a role model, to be a mentor, to guide them and nudge them in a positive direction. Seeing my kids grow not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, it makes it all worth it in the end.” – Stanley Ford, Cohort 2016
Cost of Living:
High
Residency Stipend:
$35,000
Fellow Minimum Salary:
$65,485
Rent – Single:
$1,400-$2,000
Rent – Shared:
$900-$1,200
Housing partnerships available?
No
DCPS: Highly Effective teachers can also earn up to $25,000 in annual bonuses and see increases in their base salary of up to $27,000. Resident Stop-and- Shop, where residents can access free dry goods and groceries once a month. $750 in Eaglebucks (AU campus dollars) and a $1,000 stipend for food & transportation costs during Summer Institute $10,000 grant- Homes for Heros Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP)
Programs of Study Offered:
Elementary, Secondary Math, Secondary ELA
Minimum GPA Requirement:
2.5
Entrance Exam Requirements:
Praxis core OR GPA over 3.0 OR a passing SAS/ACT score + writing section OR passing GRE score
Ability to Bypass Testing Requirements? (through transcripts/ GPA exemption):
Yes
Additional Certifications Offered:
No
K-12 All subjects $50 Educator Credential Areas and Fee Schedule
Car Required/ Public Transit:
Public Transit – No Vehicle Needed
Year Region Established:
2010
School Partners (Districts, Charters, etc):
Two types of partners: DC Public Schools and DC Public Charter Schools
Number of Participants/Alums In the Region:
763 in total
% of current/most recent cohort who identify as a person of color:
70% of Cohort 2022 Residents identify as people of color
Current number of Residents:
37
Current number of Fellows/Senior Fellows/Alumni Year participants:
Fellows- 46
Cohort Size:
45-80
Sexual Orientation Legal Protections:
Yes
Gender Identity Legal Protections:
Yes
Resident Schedule Benefits/Things to Know:
Dependent on program of study: Monday-Thursday 5:30-8:30 PM.
Things to do in the region:
Free museums, parks and zoo. Several neighborhoods to explore nightlife (H street, U street, Georgetown, Adams Morgan). Amazing Brunch scene (Park on 14th, Creole on 14th). Black-owned business and restaurants (Busboys and Poets, The Spice Suite/Black and Forth, Mahogany Books, Goodies Frozen Custard, Sandlot Southwest, Matchbox).
What makes your city great?
DC is formerly known as Chocolate City, a city full of neighborhoods with a rich history and unique culture. Although DC is known for its politics, our neighborhoods were built and inhabited by Black and other people of color. DC is small but is super close to other states like Maryland and Virginia which makes options for housing extensive. There are so many things to do in DC that free such as museums, visiting the embassies of other countries, exploring our parks and zoo, and many different neighborhood events happening often. DC teachers are one of the highest paid teachers in the nation.
Unique Features:
There are so many opportunities for learning with our FREE museums and libraries. There are tons of opportunities to use DC to your advantage to help you as a student and a teacher.
Community partnerships:
Peace of Mind, National Association for Black Male Educators, Martha’s Table, Anacostia Community Museum, CityBridge Education, DC Youth Empowerment, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, SMILE Therapy, Black Girls Teach
Where in the city do we work?
We work all across the city but we primarily serve Wards 5, 7 and 8. These wards are housed in the Southeast and Northeast quadrants of DC.
Community partnerships:
Peace of Mind, National Association for Black Male Educators, Martha’s Table, Anacostia Community Museum, CityBridge Education, DC Youth Empowerment, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, SMILE Therapy, Black Girls Teach
Where in the city do we work?
We work all across the city but we primarily serve Wards 5, 7 and 8. These wards are housed in the Southeast and Northeast quadrants of DC.
Alum/school leadership presence in the city?
We have a rich network of alumni, including Eric Dabney, Principal of Kimball Elementary, DCPS.
Teaching in Washington, D.C. holds immense significance as it offers a multifaceted platform for educators. In this dynamic urban environment, educators can address pressing educational disparities, acting as beacons of diversity and representation for students from varied backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, the city’s prominence in policymaking creates opportunities for educators to engage in important educational discussions and advocacy efforts. Washington, D.C.’s rich cultural tapestry enables teachers to immerse themselves in an array of languages, traditions, and experiences, enriching their own teaching practices.
Cost of Living:
Medium-High
Residency Stipend:
$38,600
Fellow Minimum Salary:
$51,568
Rent – Single:
$1,000 and $1,400 (one bedroom)
Rent – Shared:
$850 – $1,000
Housing partnerships available?
Reduced $500 security deposit with University City Housing and one month of free rent at select Summit Philly apartments.
School District of Philadelphia has a $7,500 tuition payment directly to AU. Mastery Charter has a $1,000 PD Stipend for two years that can be used for AU with proof of tuition payments.
Programs of Study Offered:
Elementary Education, Secondary Math, Secondary ELA
Minimum GPA Requirement:
2.5
Entrance Exam Requirements:
The number of PRAXIS exams varies by your assigned Program of Study, but these are a requirement and must be passed before Summer Institute
Ability to Bypass Testing Requirements? (through transcripts/ GPA exemption):
No
Additional Certifications Offered:
No
Depends on program of study and subsequent certifications
Car Required/ Public Transit:
Public Transit – No Vehicle Needed
Year Region Established:
2022
School Partners (Districts, Charters, etc):
School District of Philadelphia, Mastery Charter Network, and Belmont Charter Network
Number of Participants/Alums In the Region:
60
% of current/most recent cohort who identify as a person of color:
70%
Current number of Residents:
28
Current number of Fellows/Senior Fellows/Alumni Year participants:
28
Cohort Size:
16-28
Sexual Orientation Legal Protections:
Yes
Gender Identity Legal Protections:
Yes
Resident Schedule Benefits/Things to Know:
Residents released from schools on Wednesdays for coursework, coursework occurs 1-2 other evenings per week
Things to do in the region:
It is a unique, diverse, and inclusive city with a good restaurant scene, many historical sites, great opportunities to hear live music and watch our sports teams, multiple ways to make an impact, and nearby parks and trails.
What makes your city great?
Our city is diverse and rich in history, it has walkable neighborhoods as well as more suburban outskirts, and is the perfect midpoint between NY and the Baltimore/DC area.
Unique Features:
No
Community partnerships:
The Ladipo Group, University City Housing, and Summit Philly Apartments
Where in the city do we work?
We are present in schools throughout the city, but have a large concentration in the Olney section of North Philadelphia
Community partnerships:
The Ladipo Group and even more to come!
Where in the city do we work?
We are present in schools throughout the city, but have a large concentration in the Olney section of North Philadelphia
Alum/school leadership presence in the city?
Yes, including a Math lead teacher/Math content lead/DEI lead at Mastery Charter School
“I decided to join City Teaching Alliance – Philadelphia because I am a person who likes to make a change and difference in my community. I am a Philly native [and product of Philadelphia schools] so it is near and dear to my heart that City Teaching Alliance is here. As a new mother, being able to service children in a different way has definitely been insightful. The entire Philadelphia staff and professors have been extremely helpful and supportive and one big takeaway so far is the commonality of goals – everybody wants to see students of color succeed. No matter where we come from nor our backgrounds, everybody has the common goal of seeing students succeed and I loved that from the beginning.” —Alexandra Mondelus, Senior Fellow
Start your application to join City Teaching Alliance and begin an exciting journey in education by applying before November 4th! A recruiter will reach out to you soon to answer all your questions. Meeting with a recruiter significantly increases your chance of being invited to an interview, so keep an eye out for their email.