The mission of UMKC’s Institute for Urban Education (IUE) is to prepare and support exemplary teachers for Kansas City urban schools.

The Challenge

America’s teacher shortage has reached a critical stage, with schools scrambling to find qualified, committed teachers to fill essential roles. Knowing that a teacher’s performance improves dramatically in their first five years in the classroom, teacher turnover is also a chronic concern of school administrators. These issues are even more crucial in schools serving traditionally underserved populations or those with high poverty rates.

Why we exist

The Institute for Urban Education addresses educational needs through the preparation and support of exemplary teachers for Kansas City urban schools. The presence of effective, committed, culturally aware teachers is the most significant factor for increasing student achievement.

Together, we can:

Prepare teachers for long-term success teaching in urban schools