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?
How do I become a UTP tutor?
Where can I get more information?
 

What is the Urban Teacher Partnership?

The Urban Teacher Partnership (UTP) is a teacher preparation program aimed at developing the highest quality teachers to serve in high-need urban schools.  The partnership is made up of Metro State, Denver Public Schools and the Mayor's Office for Education and Children to promote a “systemic” approach to preparing and supporting math, science, English and social studies for professional practice in high-need middle or high schools. 

Stay tuned for important changes and enhancements to the program:  UTP is currently undertaking a significant redesign of its program.  A new Center for Urban Education (CUE) will provide a comprehensive, residency approach to teacher preparation within a designated urban community made up of high-need feeder schools.  Metro State faculty, students and Denver teachers will work in partnership to link strategies for increasing student achievement with the preparation of effective teachers from entry into pre-school, elementary education, secondary education and into and through college.  This P-16 Zone for Student Achievement also provides a core feature missing from other preparation programs – it will directly involve and leverage the support of parents and community-based organizations to build student expectations and strengthen teaching and learning as a community-wide commitment.  Expected launch of the CUE is Fall 2010. 

How is UTP different from other teacher-preparation programs?

The UTP program gives you numerous benefits that you don’t get from other teacher preparation programs, including:

• 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 prior to student teaching) within eight DPS secondary Urban Apprentice Schools, observing and working side-by-side in the classroom with effective cooperating teachers;
• an infrastructure of support that extends into your third year of teaching, opportunities for paid tutoring positions working with middle and high school students, professional development workshops and seminars with Metro State professors and DPS teachers, special mentoring and induction support from DPS’ best teachers. 

The UTP program also connects you with school principals and other DPS administrators who are scouting for well-qualified teachers, particularly in the high-needs subject areas of math, science and ELA.

What are the eligibility requirements?

If you are a full-time or part-time student in good standing who is enrolled in Metro State's early-childhood, elementary, or secondary teacher-licensure program,  you are eligible for the UTP program. 

How do I apply?

To download an interest form, click here. When you submit your application, be sure to include the following:

• A copy of your CAPP report for the period in which you are applying.
  

Who qualifies for a UTP scholarship?

UTP Scholarships are aimed at supporting pre-service candidates who are committed to working in high-need urban schools.  In 2009, UTP targeted its limited scholarship funds to supporting students who enroll in designated Linguistically-Diverse Education (LDE) courses at Metro.  These courses have been articulated with DPS’ requirements for English Language Acquisition (ELA) Endorsement and the University of Colorado Denver (UCD) master’s degree program in LDE. 

 During the Spring 2010 semester, UTP students minoring in early-childhood, elementary or secondary education who are enrolled in one of the following Linguistically Diverse Education courses may qualify for a full course tuition scholarship of $582!  

• The courses offered this fall are: LDE3910 (Assessment of English Language Learners) and RDG3290 (Literacy in the Content Areas for Secondary Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners) and RDG3530 (Foundations of Language & Literacy for Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Learners in Elementary Classroom).
  
• Eligibility requirements for the scholarship include: full-time student status at 12 credit hours or more, acceptance into the UTP program, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards defined by the Financial Aid office, and no default on any student loans.
• Apply for the scholarship by completing the application and submitting it along with a copy of your current CAPP report. Access the application here.
• Application materials must be submitted NO LATER than the end of the first week within the semester you are applying.
• Application materials may be dropped off at the UTP Office, faxed to 303-352-4412, or emailed to josephs@mscd.edu.   

How do I become a UTP Tutor?

Students may pick up an application in the UTP office or download the application here. After completing the application, turn it in to the UTP office or fax it to 303-352-4412. A committee comprised of Metro faculty and UTP administrators will review your application and then forward it to a DPS school liaison for their review. The DPS liaison will then contact you for an interview. 

UTP Tutor Requirements:

• Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
• Must be in good academic standing.
• Must agree to abide by all Metro State student conduct and school policies.
• Must have completed their first Field Experience course. 

Where can I get more information?

Contact UTP Principal Investigator/Director Esther Rodriguez at the UTP office, 303-352-4996, email us at mscd-tqe@mscd.edu, or visit us in the Tivoli Student Union, Suite 129.