UMKC Institute for Urban Education

Join us as we celebrate over 20 years of success for the UMKC Institute for Urban Education! This special event brings our community together to honor the ways IUE teachers have inspired students in Kansas City.

Tickets are available to purchase now and we invite everyone to be part of this exciting celebration. Come connect, reflect and celebrate together with us. https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1236/23/interior.aspx?sid=1236&gid=1&pgid=6168&cid=12536

Lighting the Way is more than an event. It is a celebration of the future of education in Kansas City. On April 11, the Institute for Urban Education at UMKC will gather community leaders, supporters, and educators at the Zhou B Art Center for a powerful evening dedicated to advancing excellence in education and uplifting the next generation of exceptional urban teachers. During the evening, longtime IUE advocate John Sherman will join us for a conversation about the impact of the Institute for Urban Education and the future of urban education in Kansas City. You will also hear powerful stories from IUE students and alumni who are already making a difference in classrooms and communities across our city. Every sponsorship and ticket helps support aspiring educators and strengthens the pipeline of teachers committed to Kansas City students. Watch the full video and find ticket information through the link in our bio. We hope you will join us for this meaningful evening supporting the mission of the Institute for Urban Education 💙💛 📍 Zhou B Art Center, Kansas City April 11, 2026 6:00PM-9:00 PM https://info.umkc.edu/iue/lighting-the-way/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9EYhdqpf-c https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1236/23/interior.aspx?sid=1236&gid=1&pgid=6168&cid=12536 #iue #UMKC #IUEatUMKC #LightingTheWay #KansasCityEducation #FutureTeachers

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Rita Barger on September 26, 2025.
Dr. Barger was the Associate Professor Emeritus at UMKC for over 30 years. She was also a cherished member of the IUE team, contributing to the original curriculum design and shaping our program into what it is today. Her impact is immeasurable! Tens of thousands of children love and better understand math because of her tireless work, mentorship, and belief in the power of education.
Her absence leaves a profound void. It is hard to imagine this program without her presence, guidance, and unwavering commitment to our students and community.
We know many of you were close with Dr. Barger. This is a heartbreaking loss for all of us especially for her students, colleagues, and all those fortunate enough to learn from or work beside her.
She will be dearly missed. 💔

Congratulations to Jerry D. Reece, recipient of the 2025 Hugh J. Zimmer Award for Excellence in Urban Education! Presented by UMKC’s School of Education, Social Work & Psychological Sciences and Institute for Urban Education, this prestigious award honors Jerry’s outstanding dedication to advancing urban education in Kansas City. A longtime advocate, community leader, and mentor, Jerry’s impact spans decades—from supporting hundreds of future teachers to strengthening civic initiatives.
His unwavering commitment reflects the very legacy of Hugh J. Zimmer, inspiring generations to come.
Thank you, Jerry, for your service, leadership, and passion for education! 👏

Congratulations to Jerry D. Reece, recipient of the 2025 Hugh J. Zimmer Award for Excellence in Urban Education! Presented by UMKC’s School of Education, Social Work & Psychological Sciences @umkc_seswps and Institute for Urban Education, this prestigious award honors Jerry’s outstanding dedication to advancing urban education in Kansas City. A longtime advocate, community leader, and mentor, Jerry’s impact spans decades—from supporting hundreds of future teachers to strengthening civic initiatives. His unwavering commitment reflects the very legacy of Hugh J. Zimmer, inspiring generations to come. Thank you, Jerry, for your service, leadership, and passion for education! 👏 #UrbanEducation #UMKC #IUE #EducationLeadership

Future educators in action! 🎓 Local high school students from our GYO partner schools joined us on campus for the GYO Summit — a day of collaboration, conversation, and community. From tackling real issues in urban education to presenting their ideas to school leaders and partners, these students showed us what the future of teaching looks like. 💡🗣️
Kansas City Public SchoolsNorth Kansas City SchoolsCrossroads Charter Schools

Future educators in action! 🎓 Local high school students from our GYO partner schools joined us on campus for the GYO Summit — a day of collaboration, conversation, and community. From tackling real issues in urban education to presenting their ideas to school leaders and partners, these students showed us what the future of teaching looks like. @kcps_southeast @kcps_northeast @crossroadscharterschoolskc @northkchigh💡🗣️ #GrowYourOwn #FutureEducators #UMKC #IUE

Join us in supporting future generations of Roos by giving to The Institute for Urban Education, March 4-5, 2025 Noon-Noon Central Time.

By giving what we are able, we are supporting students who are changing the world by becoming exemplary teachers for Kansas City Schools.
Every gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference in the life of a student, current or future.

🎉🏀 Team IUE had an amazing time at the “IUE Night at the Game” yesterday! The IUE scholars kicked things off with a tailgate full of games, prizes, pizzas, and snacks 🍕🎯—then headed to the game for some exciting basketball action! 🏀🔥 What a blast!

IUE in the Community Scholars have been busy making an impact! 🌟 Our dedicated students have been busy volunteering at Lead to Read KC and Avenue of Life
rolling up their sleeves to organize book donations 📚, clean and paint apartments 🎨, and so much more! We’re beyond grateful to support these amazing community partners and keep giving back. Together, we’re making a BIG impact! 💙✨