History
The Institute for Urban Education began in 2005 as a 4-year undergraduate urban teacher preparation program, the first of its kind in the United States.
When the IUE began, the program was a support program for undergraduate students who were seeking degrees in elementary or middle school education. Innovations that have been part of IUE from its inception include:
- Recruitment of students from urban communities and students of color
- Rigorous admissions criteria, including research-based selection process
- Increased field experiences and exposure to urban schools and classrooms
- Focus on understanding the culture and context of urban schools and communities
- Focus on building on the strengths of urban students and families
- Focus on culturally responsive teaching
- Relationships with students, families and education professionals
- Cohort model and high professional standards
The first cohort of IUE graduates completed their program in May 2009 and began teaching during the 2009-2010 academic year. 100% of teachers in the first cohort who became certified are still working in education today!
Today, the IUE has expanded to include Teacher Pipeline Programs for high school and community college students, additional Teacher Preparation Pathways for becoming a teacher and Services to Schools that support graduates and teachers in our partner schools.