About UChicago UTEP

The University of Chicago Urban Teacher Education Program (UChicago UTEP) launched in 2003 as one of the first teacher residency programs in the country. It has continued since as a model for urban teacher preparation designed for aspiring teachers who are committed to social justice and educational equity. Today, UChicago UTEP is an integral part of the University of Chicago's Urban Education Institute, which bridges education research and practice to create reliably excellent public schooling.

UChicago UTEP is a graduate program that includes a two-year Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree followed by post-graduation mentorship and coaching for alumni in Chicago. Our work is grounded in a vision by several important beliefs:

Relationships are foundational to teaching and learning

In turn, teaching and learning only occur in dialogue with others, including students, families, communities, and colleagues.

Critical awareness and analysis promote social justice

Educators must think intentionally and critically about issues of race, class, and culture in order to take purposeful action against structural inequities.

Reflection and inquiry drive growth

Teachers and learners rigorously question themselves, their practice, and the world around them to facilitate development.

Growth and development occur over time

Learning, learning how to learn, and learning how to teach well are all lifelong endeavors.

Taken together, these beliefs advance our efforts to provide transformative educative experiences and contribute to greater equity and excellence in urban public schooling.

Learn more about our context-specific approach to teacher preparation

Our People

UTEP Instructors & Staff

Tinishia Legaux Washington

Kay Fujiyoshi

Julie Furigay

Woody Lajeune

Our Alumni

Janet’s experience going through the UTEP program eventually brought her full circle to pass on her knowledge to new UTEP students...

Lloyd's drive to be a positive leader for social change led him to UTEP where community immersion prepared him to succeed as a teacher...

Kenji's drive to work in schools that need enthusiastic teachers led him to UTEP where he got hands-on experience in the communities where he'd be working...

Growing up in Chicago schools with amazing teachers, Ikeisha was inspired to give back to her community...

Commitment to serving students led Hemang to UTEP where placements and continued coaching have prepared him to be the best teacher he can be...

A passion for helping children led Erica from an interest in pediatrics to the classroom with the help of UTEP...

Our Partners

AmeriCorps

Asian Americans Advancing Justice

Blacks in Green

Blocks Together Chicago

Breakthrough Collaborative

Center on Halsted

Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign

Chicago Public Schools

City Year

EdPrepLab

National Center for Teacher Residencies

Neighborhood Schools Program

Umoja Student Development Corporation