Empowering Educators for Urban Impact–Rooted in Community. Driven by Inquiry. Committed to Change.

Designed for individuals actively working in teaching environments, the Program offers a flexible pathway to earn a master’s degree while maintaining full-time employment. Students develop the skills to engage with local communities through an asset-based lens, recognizing and building on the strengths of students, families, and community stakeholders. In addition to the master’s degree, students pursue Pennsylvania certification in general education, special education, or both. 

Program Details

  • June 15 Application Deadline

  • Summer Entry Term

  • Executive Enrollment Format

  • 10 Course Units

  • 2 Years Duration

  • On Campus Modality

Overview

The Urban Teaching Residency, M.S.Ed. (UTR) program provides comprehensive academic training and professional mentorship to prepare effective teachers, researchers, educators, and community advocates. Participants are committed to addressing the unique needs of children and families in high-needs contexts. Designed for working professionals, the program offers a flexible schedule with courses held 1–2 evenings per week and some weekends. Students in the program pursue their PA Instructional Level I Certification in General and/or Special Education.

Certification

Students pursuing Pennsylvania certifications must hold a full-time role as a teacher of record, long-term substitute, teaching assistant, or paraprofessional. Once enrolled, they are eligible to apply for teacher intern certification as part of an alternative route to Pennsylvania state certification. Certification candidates also receive personalized coaching from experienced teachers at their schools, fostering partnerships that prioritize student engagement, amplify student voices, and strengthen teacher-student relationships, all rooted in urban communities.

Take the Next Step

Application Requirements and Deadlines     Tuition and Fees     Financial Aid

What Sets Us Apart

Designed for Working Professionals

The Urban Teaching Residency, M.S.Ed. program offers students the ability to earn a master’s degree while continuing to work full-time as a teacher of record, long-term substitute teacher, teaching assistant, or paraprofessional.

What Sets Us Apart

The Urban Teaching Residency, M.S.Ed. program offers students the ability to earn a master’s degree while continuing to work full-time as a teacher of record, long-term substitute teacher, teaching assistant, or paraprofessional.

Admissions Events

Curriculum

Courses cover the interactions between schools, communities, and governments, and address human agency versus structural oppression. Methods courses are tailored to enhance your teaching practice. The program emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving to develop skilled educators and leaders. The dual certification option (PA Instructional Level I in general and special education) can be completed within 2 years.

For course details and requirements, visit the Urban Teaching Residency M.S.Ed. program in the University Catalog.

Do you have questions about the plan of study or qualifications for licensure?

We are here to help! Contact the Program Director, Nicole Mittenfelner Carl, mittenfe@gse.upenn.edu.

Degrees and Certifications Offered

  • Master’s degree (M.S.Ed.) plus General Education Certification in Pennsylvania
  • Master’s degree (M.S.Ed.) plus Dual (General and Special Education) Certification in Pennsylvania
  • Master’s degree (M.S.Ed.) plus Special Education Certification in Pennsylvania
  • Recommendation for Pennsylvania General Education Certification
  • Recommendation for Pennsylvania Special Education Certification*
  • Recommendation for Pennsylvania General and Special Education Certification

General Certification Options

  • PreK-4 (Elementary)
  • 4-8 Math
  • 4-8 English Language Arts and Reading
  • 4-8 General Science
  • 4-8 Social Studies
  • 7-12 Math
  • 7-12 English Language Arts
  • 7-12 General Science
  • 7-12 Biology
  • 7-12 Chemistry
  • 7-12 Physics
  • 7-12 Social Studies
  • World Languages

Special Education Certification

  • PreK–12 Special Education

*Students not pursuing a master’s degree who would like to enroll in the special education certification-only track must already have Pennsylvania General Certification. Students in the master’s program can pursue any of the certification offerings.

In any of our master’s degree programs, students may choose one or two concentrations.

  • Elementary Education
  • English Language Arts and Reading (Middle Years)
  • English Language Arts (Secondary)
  • Mathematics (Middle Years)
  • Mathematics (Secondary)
  • General Sciences (Middle Years)
  • General Sciences (Secondary)
  • Biology (Secondary)
  • Physics (Secondary)
  • Earth Science (Secondary)
  • Chemistry (Secondary)
  • Urban Education
  • Special Education PreK-12
  • World Languages
  • Social Studies (Middle Years)

For students pursuing special education or elementary certification, additional field experiences are required. We have found that these experiences can be transformative for beginning teachers.

VAST LIFE @ Penn GSE

For students seeking special education or dual certification, Vocational, Academic, Social, Transition, Life Skill, Independent, Functional Experiences (VAST LIFE) is a supervised, formally-evaluated fieldwork experience working with, planning for, and educating students with low incidence disabilities in the areas of domestic, transition, social, functional, community, and leisure skills. VAST LIFE participants are local high school students aged 14 to 19 and who qualify to take the PASA in the State of Pennsylvania. The lessons take place on Saturdays in our spring semester, and are based on theories of universal design and research-based educational practice. 

Note: If you are a parent or guardian interested in applying to VAST LIFE for your child, please visit our VAST LIFE application page.

KIDS @ Penn GSE

For students in our PreK-4 certification track, the Keeping Instruction Developmentally Sound (KIDS) program is a supervised, formally evaluated fieldwork experience working with, and planning for, preschool children aged 3-4. Teachers are paired with KIDS participants to provide one-on-one support during Saturday lessons in our fall semester. Lessons are based on theories of universal design and research-based educational practice.

The Urban Teaching Residency works with many community partners in the tri-state area to recruit future educators. Below is a list of our partners. Applicants do not need to be a member of these organizations in order to apply.

Our Partners

  • Teach for America
  • School District of Philadelphia
  • Christina Seix Academy
  • Fellowship of Black Male Educators
  • Universal Charter Network
  • Americorps
  • Teachers Institute of Philadelphia
  • Racial Empowerment Collaborative
  • Philadelphia Writing Project
  • Nativity Prep School
  • Belmont Charter Schools

Outcomes

Graduates of the Urban Teaching Residency, M.S.Ed. program are prepared to apply research- and practice-based approaches to teaching, learning, and leadership. Alumni work as teachers, leaders, researchers, and policymakers, committed to promoting equal access to education and making an excellent education a reality for all children.

Alumni Careers

  • Assistant Principal, Upper Moreland Elementary School
  • Chemistry Teacher, KIPP Philadelphia
  • Community Coordinator, Trenton Public Schools
  • Director of Special Education, Mastery Charter, Camden
  • Mathematics Curriculum Developer, School District of Philadelphia
  • Policy Advisor, Mayor 's Office, Philadelphia Principal, People for People Charter School

Apply Now

A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.

Contact Us

Do you have questions about the application, financial aid, or requirements? We're happy to help!

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

Penn GSE

215-898-6415

admissions@gse.upenn.edu

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