Summer Institute

Summer Institute

The first year of the program begins with an intensive 4-6 week Summer Institute, also referred to as “Summer A.” Coaching and coursework start in Summer A and continue throughout Program Years 1 and 2, including “Summer B” between Years 1 and 2. In both Summer A and Summer B, Urban Teachers places residents with summer partners to provide more opportunities to work on classroom management and other teaching skills and to apply what is being learned in the coursework. The Urban Teachers Site Team members serve as the points of contact for all programmatic and administrative concerns.

The exact start dates of Summer Institute for each site vary, but you can expect to start in mid-June. You will live on-campus with your fellow cohort members, teach summer school at one of our summer partner locations during the day, and take graduate coursework in the afternoon.  

We understand that most people are relocating to their new city to participate in this program. Urban Teachers does not generally cover relocation expenses, but we do provide room and board for 4-6 weeks during Summer Institute to assist in the transition. In cases of extreme need, you can apply for emergency relocation funding in the spring prior to moving. Funds are limited and notifications of amounts are announced in early June when the cohort is complete. To inquire about how to request relocation reimbursement, contact Admissions. Each site team has a Resident Onboarding Specialist who can assist in finding housing at the end of the Institute. You can also apply for Graduate PLUS loans through the graduate university to assist in moving costs. 

Housing during Summer Institute

Housing is provided during Summer Institute, typically in local dorms. You can opt out of residing in the dorm, but there would be no financial reimbursement for doing so. We do encourage all residents to take their meals in the campus dining hall so that you have a greater opportunity to spend time and grow with your Professional Learning Community (PLC) and make new friends. You cannot bring your pets, children, or significant others to stay in the dorms during Summer Institute. Residents who already live locally may still opt to stay in the dorms during the week and go home on weekends so that you can spend plenty of time with your colleagues as you study and support each other.

A Typical Day at Summer Institute

The daily schedule typically includes scheduled activities from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday- Friday, with occasional Saturday sessions. Please note that PLC meetings with summer mentors are often held once a week, in the evening. Here is a sample week of Summer Institute:

After Summer Institute
At the end of Summer Institute, you'll move to your own residence. Our Resident Onboarding Specialists will have resources to aid in your search for your new home in the community. Depending on your school placement, you may have a break prior to the start of the school year. Please do not plan a vacation during this time as you may be required to attend new teacher orientation. Once you have received your school placement and attended orientation, you will soon begin co-teaching in the classroom during the day while attending graduate courses in the afternoons and evenings during the residency school year.