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What our students are saying...
- I am looking forward to working with and learning from mentors that are doing what I am dreaming of doing one day soon.
- I hope to teach my future students to connect to each other through their various cultures and arts.
- I believe that children in urban schools need wonderful teachers who are passionate, dedicated, and excited.
- I hope to gain more strength and wisdom in my own life as an educator and as a human being.
- I currently strive to change society to be more accepting of people with differences.
- I believe that educators can make a difference.
- Participating in the UTPA will allow me to learn the required skills to become an effective teacher in this type of setting.
- I want to know that I am doing the best job I can when I get into the teaching field.
- A teacher molds a child into the person they want to become.
- I think the Academy will be a stepping stone towards a better prepared educator.
- I believe the UTPA can empower me.
Founding Partners of the UTPA include:
Three central guiding concepts of the UCO Urban Teacher Preparation Academy
- Enhancing the preparation of pre-service teachers to better serve the diverse needs of students in high need schools in urban environments
- Enhancing the infusion of technology into teaching and learning for pre-service candidates and P-12 students
- Enhancing clinical experiences for pre-service teachers
Learn more about the Urban Teacher Preparation Academy (UTPA) in our recent press release.
For more information, contact Karyn Hutchens, Program Coordinator, 405-974-5144.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Urban Teacher Preparation Academy (UTPA)?
- What are the guiding concepts for UTPA?
- What does "urban" mean?
- What do you look for in a strong UTPA candidate?
- What are the deadlines for entering the UTPA program?
- What prerequisites do I need before I enter the program?
- How long does it take to go through the program?
- Is financial aid available?
- Are there any additional financial opportunities available?
- When I get an Oklahoma teaching certificate will I be able to teach in any school or only in an urban school?
- What subject or licensure areas do you offer?
- Do you help with job placement?
Application
Applications are available each fall for individuals who will be student teaching the following fall semester. Please check back for the application.
UTPA Cohort #2
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SamayaSamaya is an Elementary Education major with an emphasis in Math. She will be completing her year-long student teaching at Taft Middle School. |
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CandiseCandise is an Art Education major. She will be student teaching at Jefferson Middle School in the fall and Bodine elementary in the spring. |
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KelseeKelsee is an Early Childhood Education major. She will be completing her year-long student teaching at Linwood Elementary. |
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CendyCendy is a Special Education major with an emphasis in mild/moderate. She will be student teaching at Capitol Hill High School in the fall and Taft Middle School in the spring. |
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CorbieCorbie is a Special Education major with an emphasis in severe/profound. She will be student teaching at Taft Middle School in the fall and Capitol Hill High School in the spring. |
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ShannonShannon is a Special Education major with an emphasis in mild/moderate. She will be student teaching at Bodine Elementary in the fall and Grant High School in the spring. |
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VivianVivian is a Theatre Education major. She will be completing her year-long student teaching at Grant High School. |
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GeniseGenise is an Instrumental Music Education major. She will be completing her year-long student teaching at Belle Isle Middle School. |
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KristenKristen is an English Education major. She will be completing her year-long student teaching at Capitol Hill High School. |
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AdrianAdrian is an Elementary Education major. He will be completing his year-long student teaching at Linwood Elementary School. |
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CourtneyCourtney is an Early Childhood Education major. She will be completing her year-long student teaching at Linwood Elementary School. |
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DinaDina is an Elementary Education major. She will be completing her year-long student teaching at Shidler Elementary School. |
What is the Urban Teacher Preparation Academy (UTPA)?
The Urban Teacher Preparation Academy consists of current UCO students who have completed a considerable portion of their study and have an expressed interest in teaching in high need schools in urban settings. UTPA offers the following advantages for student teachers:
What are the guiding concepts for UTPA?
UTPA has three central guiding concepts:
What does "urban" mean?
What do you look for in a strong UTPA candidate?
Below are some of the areas that are considered when looking for UTPA candidates:
What are the deadlines for entering the UTPA program?
Applications will be available every fall for students who will be student teaching in the next school year. Applications are typically due in early October. Check the application for the exact due date. Once accepted, students will still need to apply for student teaching.
What prerequisites do I need before I enter the program?
Please view the information for the requirements for admission to student teaching located in the Teacher Education Handbook.
How long does it take to go through the program?
UTPA is a full year of student teaching. The program is individualized for each student teacher depending on where they are in their studies. Individual plans of study are made with each UTPA student.
Is financial aid available?
Individuals that are accepted to the UTPA are eligible to receive scholarships and stipends through the UTPA program. The amount is dependent on current funding of the program. Individuals may also apply for the TEACH grant.
Are there any additional financial opportunities available?
UTPA candidates in cohort #1 and 2 were offered Teaching Assistantships that were paid for by Oklahoma City Public Schools.
When I get an Oklahoma teaching certificate will I be able to teach in any school or only in an urban school?
Once you have met all of the requirements for the UTPA program and for State certification, you will earn an Oklahoma teaching certificate which is valid throughout the state of Oklahoma.
What subject or licensure areas do you offer?
Do you help with job placement?
Upon successful completion of the UTPA, UCO will recommend candidates to the district for employment. OKCPS is committed to the UTPA and has offered to give hiring priority to these candidates.
100 North University Drive, Edmond, OK 73034 | (405) 974-2000