Metropolitan State's Urban Teacher Program (UTP) is designed to meet the need of urban schools for diverse teachers who can improve students' educational achievement. The UTP prepares prospective teachers who can build on the talents and resiliency of diverse urban learners for success in school and life. Our approach to teacher education focuses on preparing reflective and resilient teachers who are outstanding in their commitment to teaching urban youth and providing equal educational opportunity. By attracting teachers of color and low-income or 'first generation' college students into teaching careers, the UTP provides urban schools with competent educators who can relate to the experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse youth and their communities.
The Urban Teacher Program at Metropolitan State University works in collaboration with community colleges and has articulation agreements with these colleges i.e., Minneapolis Community and Technical College and Inver Hills Community College and others. Teaching professionals from Minneapolis Public Schools and St. Paul Public Schools also participated in teaching for the Urban Teacher Program; providing support and increased pathways to becoming prepared as an effective urban teacher.
Programs
UTP offers undergraduate bachelor's of science degrees and a post-baccalaureate process (for people who have already earned a bachelor's degree) leading to licensure in any of the following areas:
- Early Childhood Education (birth-grade 3)
- Elementary Education (preK-grade 6)
- Secondary Education
- Post-Secondary Education Graduate Certificate
