Our Teaching Pathway

Teach for a Brighter Future

Signature Approach

Change Starts With You

Whether you’re just entering the workforce, currently working as a paraprofessional or teacher’s assistant, or making a career shift into education, we have a pathway to the classroom for you.

Our three pathways are grounded in our 5Cs framework, ensuring a comprehensive, supportive, and actionable experience at every stage.

Learn More How to Apply

Transforming lives in just 4 years

Our Signature 2×2 residency-style model gives you two years of hands-on training and two years of ongoing support. You will gain the skills, confidence, and staying power to thrive as a long-term educator.

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Fellow Year 1

Your pathway begins with a year of immersive, hands-on classroom experience—similar to a medical residency. You’ll work alongside an experienced host teacher during the school day while receiving personalized coaching from a highly trained City Teaching Alliance instructional coach. After school, you’ll engage in practice-based, master’s-level coursework. Throughout the year, you’ll take on increasing responsibility by leading mini-lessons, analyzing student data, conducting assessments, and supporting small group instruction—building a strong foundation to lead your own classroom.

Immersive year-long training in a host classroom
Paid clinical experience
Begin 1:1 coaching
Begin Master of Arts in Teaching coursework

Fellow Year 2

If you meet all Year 1 expectations and program requirements and secure a fall teaching position in your content area at a partner school, you’ll advance to Year 2 as a teacher of record. During this year, you’ll hold your initial teaching credentials, continue receiving one-on-one coaching, and complete your master’s coursework to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching.

First year as a full-time teacher
Full-time teacher salary and benefits
Continued 1:1 coaching
Earn Master of Arts in Teaching degree

Fellow Year 3

During your Senior Fellow year, coursework is complete, but coaching continues. You’ll receive ongoing, regular guidance and instruction through coaching throughout the school year. By the end of the year, you’ll fulfill state requirements for full certification or licensure.

Second year as a full-time teacher
Full-time teacher salary and benefits
Continued 1:1 coaching
Earn teaching credentials in content area and special education

Fellow Year 4

After completing all program requirements you’ll be recommended for full teacher credentials. As the City Teaching Alliance cohorts grow, you’ll find ongoing opportunities in your teaching commitment year and beyond. These opportunities include serving as Summer Institute graduate assistants, coaches, mentors, and host teachers.

Third year as a full-time teacher
Full-time teacher salary and benefits
School and program leadership opportunities available
Ongoing access to City Teaching Alliance alumni network and programming

Our Signature Approach

Take charge of your teaching journey

Masters Degree

A Master’s in Teaching from American University, a nationally recognized leader in preparing community-driven teachers.

Paid all 4 years

An initial residency year of paid classroom experience and a full-time, full-salaried teaching position starting in Year 2.

1:1 Coaching

Over 80 hours of 1:1 coaching over three years and coursework that promotes whole-child success.

Dual Teaching Certificates

Receive two accredited teaching certificates, including Special Education.

Preparing you for urban classrooms

In too many urban schools, teacher turnover disrupts learning and holds students back. We prepare you with the training, confidence, and support to stay and make a lasting impact.

91 %

Educators who completed our program who are still in education

90 %

Of participants say the program gave them the skills they need to be effective in the classroom

91 %

Program completers + pass-through rate

Impact