Urban Teacher Education Program

We are currently recruiting our fourth cohort of early-career CPS teachers to join the 2026–27 UTEP Induction Program!

Know a new teacher—or a school looking for meaningful support for early-career educators?

Please share this opportunity and apply now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiwE9D4fU9-ZFWTudwYng871qKdme2-ESreKK5JrC7YtaSoA/viewform?mc_cid=ce9f77fdb8&mc_eid=3eece58324

As UTEP closes another year of our Induction Program, we are proud to celebrate the growth, reflection, and resilience demonstrated by teachers across Cohorts 2 and 3. Throughout the year, participants engaged in individualized instructional coaching, collaborative seminars, and ongoing professional learning designed to support both their instructional practice and overall well-being as educators.

A central focus of this year’s work was helping teachers deepen their understanding of the Cultivate Learning Conditions and reflect on the ways these conditions shape student experience, engagement, and learning. Through coaching conversations, classroom observations, and cohort dialogue, teachers explored how to create learning environments where students feel connected, challenged, safe, affirmed, and supported academically and emotionally.

Throughout the year, educators reflected deeply on their practice, navigated the realities of teaching in urban schools, and continued developing the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the profession. One of the most meaningful aspects of the program continues to be the sense of community educators build with one another. Across schools and grade levels, teachers found space to share challenges, exchange ideas, and support one another throughout the school year—essential community in support of UTEP’s mission to prepare educators for successful and long-lasting careers in urban schools.

We are deeply grateful to the educators who welcomed us to partner alongside them this year and are inspired by the care and commitment they continue to bring to their students and school communities every day.

While students and staff lament budget cuts from California to Florida, superintendents say the rising costs of running a school district means they have no choice, writes Chalkbeat.

A financial reckoning is hitting America’s public schools A Chalkbeat analysis found many of the nation’s 50 largest districts are facing very similar circumstances: fewer students, higher costs, and difficult budget decisions.

Spread the word! The CPS Dept. of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math is hosting its Annual Reimagining STEM Experience on June 5, an immersive day of discovery, innovation & connection. Register to attend. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLePGFduzt51ObbzHaX-Aqwh9cZN9VnEqvdw_pqV3LhfczwA/viewform

How are you all feeling about AI and the guidance or lack thereof?

Teachers Say Lack of AI Guidance Is a Major Problem Most teachers say they have not received formal guidance on how to use AI tools in their work.

Educators, knowing how to administer naloxone can save lives!
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Join the Chicago Department of Public Health tomorrow for Overdose Response Training. Participants will learn how to administer naloxone, hear about the principles behind harm reduction, and be able to ask questions about how to effectively respond to an overdose in real life.

Register at https://chi.gov/4dwN4hq

Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling could close doors for Black and Hispanic school board candidates, writes . Read more.

The recent Voting Rights Act ruling’s potential to reshape school boards is being overlooked The Voting Rights Act opened doors for Black and Hispanic school board members. Are they closing?

As summer approaches, this oldie but goodie from Edutopia reminds educators that unplugging from work has a lot of value. You deserve to rest and recharge.

4 Ways to Take a Real Break This Summer Some teachers turn downtime into a professional learning opportunity, but unplugging from work has a lot of value.

Amid rising ICE activity, Chicago Public Schools teachers organized on their own time to support undocumented students and families with legal resources, safe passage routes and emergency funds. Read more from Block Club Chicago.

When ICE Fears Escalated, Chicago Teachers Helped Students Move Past Fears Off The Clock Amid rising ICE activity, Chicago Public Schools teachers organized on their own time to support undocumented students and families with legal resources, safe passage routes and emergency funds.

Washington, D.C., has emerged as the fastest-improving school system in the nation, according to a major new analysis of student test scores released last week by researchers at Stanford, Harvard and Dartmouth. Yet, In 2025, only 26 percent of Washington students met grade-level standards in math and only 38 percent were proficient in reading, according to a separate report from the D.C.

The Hechinger Report takes a deeper look. https://hechingerreport.org/proof-points-rapid-growth-low-proficiency/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=jetpack_social&fbclid=IwY2xjawR5j0dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFwdmpJa3hzYXdJaVUzb3B2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHowB2RbuK-UeMC8NxSphU4LISu3mNUxalfRi-YJZyvSzcu7MG0o6mr0hwxpW_aem_rgB39nCbDLzNi4Fo9BzTsg

America's fastest-improving school system still falls short Washington, DC’s education paradox: rapid gains, low proficiency