Pathways to Teaching

The pathways to teaching in urban areas are paved with success

IUE’s curriculum is built around a commitment to serving students and communities with care, relevance, and purpose. Graduates of the program are not only well-prepared educators — they are leaders who make a lasting impact in the schools and neighborhoods they call home. IUE’s distinctive Grow Your Own (GYO) approach sets it apart from similar programs. Our success is reflected in our students, and the numbers speak for themselves:

100% job placement; 51% teachers of color; 90% five-year teacher retention rate; 100% five-year retention rate among graduates of color

There are multiple pathways to teaching through the Institute for Urban Education:

Grow Your Own Program

The Institute for Urban Education’s Grow Your Own (GYO) Program is designed for current high school students who are interested in learning more about education and in particular how education intersects with social justice and community responsiveness. Learn More >

Incoming Freshmen

The Institute for Urban Education has scholarships available for students who are looking to complete their degree and to get certified to teach Early Childhood (Birth to Grade 3), Elementary (Grades 1-6), Middle School (Grades 5-9), High School (Grades 9-12), and K-12th Grade (Art, French, Spanish, German). Learn More >

Current UMKC Students

If you are a current UMKC student and either in the School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences or interested in teaching, it is not too late to join the Institute for Urban Education. Learn More >

Transfer Students

Are you working toward your Associate of Arts degree interested in the IUE and thinking about transferring? The IUE ensures an easy and seamless transfer process and has scholarships for students who are transferring from a community college or 4-year college/university. Learn More >

Graduate Students or Career Changers:

If you’re a working professional who desires to change careers or you have a bachelor’s degree and are currently working in an educational setting but want to take your career to the next level, we have the program for you. The Institute for Urban Education has scholarships available for students who have a college degree and who are interested in getting their master of arts (MA) degree and certification. The Master of Arts in Teaching degree can be completed in 4 semesters and has been specifically designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree and want to teach. Learn More >