College of Education and Professional Studies
Contact Information
- Nina Coerver
Coordinator of School Partnerships
Teacher Education
405-974-5144
ncoerver@uco.edu
- Dr. Kim Pennington
UCO UTPA Coordinator
405-974-5889
kpennington8@uco.edu
Founding Partners of the UTPA include:
The Urban Teacher Preparation Academy (UTPA) is one of the nation’s premier teacher preparation programs for candidates driven to make a difference in the lives of Oklahoma City Public Schools students. This unique partnership with Oklahoma City Public Schools and the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools has recruited and trained approximately 100 certified teacher candidates since 2009. Currently, the consortium draws teacher candidates from three member universities: University of Central Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma, and Mid-American Christian University.
UTPA has three central guiding principles:
1. Enhance the preparation of pre-service teachers to better serve the diverse needs of students
in high need schools in urban environments;
2. Provide a richer, expanded set of clinical experiences for pre-service teachers; and
3. Provide induction support for new teachers in their first three years of employment with OKCPS
Benefits to Academy members include:
- 16 Week student teaching experience in a specially selected OKCPS classroom
- Professional development and mentoring
- Three years of ongoing support during early career work
- Tuition waiver and scholarship opportunities
- Financial stipends from the OKCPS Foundation for each active semester in the program
Application
Applications are due on October 1 or March 1 of each academic year. Candidates are encouraged to apply the Fall prior to their student teaching semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the guiding concepts for UTPA?
- What does "urban" mean?
- Who can apply, and what are the qualifications?
- What do you look for in a strong UTPA candidate?
- What are the deadlines for entering the UTPA program?
- How long does it take to go through the program?
- Is financial aid available?
- Do you help with job placement?
Urban Teacher Preparation Academy
What are the guiding concepts for UTPA?
What does "urban" mean?
UTPA focuses on Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro areas. Demographically, we seek to have our teacher candidates in education settings that comprise a 25% or greater minority population, a free/reduced lunch of 40% or greater, and at least a 10% English Language Learners population.
Who can apply, and what are the qualifications?
What do you look for in a strong UTPA candidate?
What are the deadlines for entering the UTPA program?
Interested candidates may apply in the Fall or Spring semester. The Fall deadline is October 1 and the Spring deadline is March 1.
How long does it take to go through the program?
UTPA teacher candidates student teach for one semester in a hand-selected Oklahoma City Public School and are considered active members in the UTPA program through Year 3 of their employment in OKCPS as a full-time teacher.
Is financial aid available?
Individuals accepted to the UTPA are encouraged to apply for scholarships and are eligible to receive stipends through the program. The amount is dependent upon current funding of the program. Individuals may also apply for the TEACH grant.
Do you help with job placement?
Upon successful completion of the UTPA, UCO will recommend candidates to the district for employment. OKCPS is committed to the UTPA and highly recruits our teacher candidates.
100 North University Drive, Edmond, OK 73034 | (405) 974-2000