Institute for Urban Education
The Institute for Urban Education (IUE) is a supplemental urban teacher preparation and support program. Students in the IUE participate in co-curricular activities that enhance their teacher preparation, specifically focusing on preparation for teaching in Kansas City urban schools.
Apply to the IUE
Program Features
- Students seeking teacher certification receive a degree.
- Students participate in co-curricular activities including increased time in urban schools and communities, social justice seminars, cohort dinners, community projects, early field experience and teaching internships, and alumni connections.
- Students receive scholarships to partially fund their education. The larger the scholarship, the more the student can focus on teacher preparation rather than meeting the financial needs of self and family. In exchange for this financial support, IUE graduates commit to teaching for a minimum of four years in a Kansas City urban partner school.
Programs and Services
The IUE prepares and supports teachers for richly diverse schools in unique ways
Learn more about IUE Programs and Services
Program Benefits
As demonstrated beginning with its first set of graduates in 2009, the IUE has produced remarkable results among its graduates, benefiting thousands of students across the bi-state region. The IUE has established itself as the first “go to” program Kansas City urban school districts look to when hiring new teachers. However, to meet this demand, the number of teachers graduating from the IUE must increase dramatically. Due to its success in preparing teachers, the IUE is also being called upon to meet needs of districts that are beyond initial teacher preparation.
With the help of our partner schools, IUE students and graduates are supporting thousands of Kansas City children. Our programs serve communities that are often historically underserved, as well as racially, culturally and linguistically diverse.
But the real value of the IUE is in the experiences of our graduates. The teacher preparation program is proud to report:
- 100% job placement rate of IUE graduates in urban schools
- 51% of IUE graduates are teachers of color, compared to only 18% of teachers nationwide and 5% of teachers in Missouri
- Nearly 90% five-year retention rate of graduates at their chosen schools, compared to 49% national rate and 35% Missouri rate
- 100% five-year retention rate among graduates of color and those from urban communities
With a focus on culturally responsive teaching; relationships with students, family and the community; and innovation in teaching and learning, we are committed to creating rich and fulfilling educational experiences for Kansas City’s students and teachers, our school partners and the entire community.
Know someone who would make a great teacher?
Stream IUE Content
These sessions will offer insight and information for teachers as they prepare for the school year. The webinars will offer tools, strategies and resources as well as highlight best practices from Kansas City area teachers.
History
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!
Get Involved
We have a critical shortage of highly qualified teachers in our community. Your support will help prepare exemplary teachers for tomorrow’s students — setting them up for a more successful and fulfilling life through education. If you’re interested in supporting this mission, you may wish to:
- Create an endowed or expendable scholarship
- Combine your gift with our other supporters to grow existing scholarships
- Make a general donation toward the growth of this proven program
- Gift planning, such as distributions from an IRA, annuity, life insurance policy or bequest are always welcome.
For more information, contact Shelly Doucet, Director of Philanthropy or 816-235-6025, or make your gift today.
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