City Teaching Alliance

What does it mean to stay connected to the Alliance long after your fellowship?

In our latest blog, we take a closer look at Legacy Link and the ways alumni can connect with peers, discover new opportunities, and remain engaged in the work of transforming education.

Read it here or at the link in our bio: https://bit.ly/4xfq26j

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on our Greater DC Metro Regional Winner, Justin Tana!

Justin’s commitment to his students, leadership in the classroom, and dedication to educational excellence embody what it means to be a City Teaching Alliance fellow.

Join us in celebrating Justin and this well-deserved recognition!

Please join us in celebrating Marquita Johnson, our Baltimore & Central Maryland Regional Winner.

Through her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her students, Marquita exemplifies the impact educators can have both inside and outside the classroom. We are grateful for all she brings to her school community and proud to recognize her with this honor.

Congratulations, Marquita!

Now that we’ve announced our Teacher of the Year and Rookie of the Year, it’s time to recognize our regional winners.

First up, we have Julian Gassett, our Philadelphia Regional Winner. Julian’s passion for teaching, commitment to student success, and impact within his school community have made a lasting difference. We are proud to celebrate this achievement and recognize the incredible work he does every day.

Congratulations, Julian!

City Teaching Alliance celebrates Ashley Mondestin (Cohort 2024, Philly), as our national Rookie of the Year. In your first year as a teacher, you have already made a meaningful and lasting impact through your dedication, care, and commitment to your students and school community. You lead with purpose, show up with consistency, and bring heart into every classroom moment. This recognition reflects the difference you are already making and the promise of all that is still ahead.

On National Higher Education Day, City Teaching Alliance recognizes the power of higher education to open doors, expand opportunity, and shape the future of students and communities.

We are especially grateful for our partnership with The Baker School of Education at American University and the dedicated faculty members we collaborate with who continue to support, mentor, and empower the next generation of educators.

At City Teaching Alliance, we celebrate Pride Month by honoring the voices, identities, and lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. Representation matters in every classroom and every story, and we are committed to fostering allyship and building spaces where students and educators can see themselves reflected, valued, and affirmed.

City Teaching Alliance’s 8-week Nonprofit Leadership Certificate is designed to help educators and emerging leaders build skills in fundraising, governance, finance, marketing, and more while growing their impact beyond the classroom.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4tfb3Hx

Connection. Community. A shared purpose bigger than ourselves. 💚

Our latest blog highlights how City Teaching Alliance educators found inspiration, support, and meaningful connection at AsEA 2026 and the reminder that no educator does this work alone.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4uKcOwQ

City Teaching Alliance is honored to recognize Rachael Simpson (Cohort 2023, Dallas), as our National Teacher of the Year! Your leadership, passion, and commitment to students have left a lasting impact on your school community. You create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and motivated to grow while leading with intention and excellence each day. This recognition honors the difference you continue to make both inside and beyond the classroom.