Program Benefits

Urban Teachers participants are eligible to receive the following:

• A total first-year compensation of at least $30,000.

• Required books and materials for the two years that participants are enrolled in the JHU master’s degree program. 
• Room and board at in-person Summer Institute during the first summer of the program (Summer A). After that, housing is the responsibility of the participant (that is, during the Residency year and beyond). 
• Individual health insurance during the Residency year. (See below for additional information regarding the American University health insurance plan.)
• While enrolled in the master’s degree program, participants are eligible for free and confidential counseling and wellness services. Read more about the full range of student support services available to participants here.

STIPEND 

Residents who are not employed by their district or CMO will receive a stipend during their Residency year (Program Year 1) of at least $30,000. Residents who are employed by their district or CMO during their Residency year (i.e., as a teaching assistant or educational aide) are paid a salary directly by the school system. If a district/CMO-employed Resident’s salary is less than $30,000 Urban Teachers will receive a Residency Year Assistance Grant to ensure their total compensation is at least $30,000.

Urban Teachers will disburse stipends and Residency Year Assistance Grants on a monthly basis through Residency year, in equal installments. These will only be disbursed to participants currently enrolled in the program on the date of disbursement. The total number of disbursals and the timing of each monthly disbursal is determined by the site Executive Director and disbursals are distributed accordingly. All participants must complete an IRS W-9 Form to receive the stipend or Residency Year Assistance Grant.

AU STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE

American University requires students to participate in the Student Health Insurance Plan when enrolled full-time, unless students have alternate coverage (possibly through their school district, parents, partners, etc). If Urban Teachers Residents do not have comparable insurance coverage elsewhere, they will automatically be enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan and incur premium costs. Urban Teachers will pay the health insurance premiums for all Residents without comparable coverage. Please view the Student Health Insurance website for more information. 

The 2022-2023 annual premium of $2,178 is automatically assessed to the student account for which Urban Teachers will cover IF RESIDENTS ARE NOT RECEIVING BENEFITS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL PARTNER. If Residents are covered under their school benefits or another comparable health insurance plan, they should waive the university-sponsored student health insurance plan by submitting proof of coverage through the online waiver process at the beginning of each semester. Information on the waiver is available here.

Participants may purchase dental and vision insurance, as well as health insurance for a spouse, domestic partner, or dependents through American University. Urban Teachers will not cover the additional cost of these plans.