Roughly 50% of all urban public school teachers leave within the first three years. The retention rate for Urban Teacher Residency (UTR) grads beyond those crucial first three years is 85%. It’s a difference that’s transforming districts.
And a model that’s producing results.
Some of you may know that our founding program, Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL), operates a teacher residency program to prepare teachers to work in its turnaround schools. As many districts begin to explore turnaround models, this story provides some history of AUSL’s turnarounds.
NPR’s coverage of Obama’s overhaul of No Child Left Behind. While NCLB initially focused on teacher quality, the new focus is on teacher effectiveness and quality- an approach that UTRs are trying to measure as well.
Everyone is asking “What Makes a Great Teacher?” Some interesting commentary from Ed Week last week that attempts to answer the question. The author, James Starkey, is a retired educator who argues that great teaching is not quantifiable- and that it can’t be taught.
Another veteran teacher, Anthony Cody, offers his commentary as well. He offers suggestions that are very value-driven including: interests of students coming first, passion for learning, and community building.
You don't need to start a Residency or become a Resident to be part of our movement to bring a quality, experienced teacher to every child across the country.
UTRU has developed standards, or a common framework, outlining the program design elements that our network believes to be essential for a high-functioning Residency program. They are practice-based standards that are shared and promoted by our partners and used to ensure quality and support learning.
©2010 Urban Teacher Residency United
