Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Urban Teacher Partnership (UTP)?
How is UTP different from other teacher-preparation programs?
What are the eligibility requirements?
How do I apply?
Who qualifies for a UTP scholarship?
Where can I get more information?
What is the Urban Teacher Partnership?
The Urban Teacher Partnership (UTP) is a collaborative effort of Metro State, Denver Public Schools and the Mayor's Office for Education and Children that is designed to prepare and support individuals who wish to make a commitment to teaching math, science, English or social studies in high-need middle or high schools.
How is UTP different from other teacher-preparation programs?
The UTP program gives you the benefit of a specialized curriculum and coursework focused on developing the knowledge, skills and understandings that correlate best with teaching and learning in urban schools; extensive field experience (160 hours) at one of eight DPS Urban Apprentice Schools, observing and working side by side in the classroom with master teachers; and an infrastructure of support that extends into your third year of teaching, from mentoring to professional development workshops and seminars with Metro State faculty members and DPS teachers.
The UTP program also connects you with school prinicpals and other DPS administrators who are scouting for well-qualified middle and high school teachers, particularly in the high-need subject areas of math and science. Since fall 2006, 17 graduates of the UTP program have been hired by DPS.
What are the eligibility requirements?
If you are a full-time or part-time student in good standing who (a) is enrolled in Metro State's secondary teacher-licensure program and (b) has completed or is pursuing an undergraduate degree in math, science, English or social studies, you are eligible for the UTP program.
How do I apply?
To download an application form, click here. When you submit your application, be sure to include the following:
- An outline of your course enrollment for the academic year (including course number and title, credit number, subject and instructor's name).
- A brief essay (no more than one page) on this topic: What does it mean to you to be an urban educator?
Who qualifies for a UTP scholarship?
Scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000 are available for UP students who are enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credit hours) and maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average.
Where can I get more information?
Contact UTP Principal Investigator/Director Esther Rodriguez at the UTP office, 303-352-4996, or Theress Pidick, DPS UTP Co-director at 720-423-3895. Or visit us in the Tivoli Student Union, Suite 129.