Relay’s 16th campus will offer opportunities for aspiring teachers, school leaders
Relay Graduate School of Education, one of the nation’s largest and most diverse educator preparation programs, announced its expansion to serve the students and teachers of Atlanta. In partnership with Atlanta Public Schools and KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, Relay’s rigorous model of curriculum and practice will prepare a diverse cohort of aspiring teachers to best meet the needs of Atlanta students.
“At Relay, we’re dedicated to teaching teachers and school leaders,” said Dean of Relay Atlanta Christy Harris. “We know the importance of ensuring every adult working with a student is prepared to support the academic skills and character growth each child needs to succeed in college and life. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Atlanta schools to prepare and develop more great educators for our kids.”
Relay will offer the Relay Teaching Residency in Atlanta, which caters to college graduates and career changers who are seeking a path into the teaching profession. The two-year residency program provides a gradual on-ramp into teaching. Residency participants will work alongside a mentor teacher during the first year and will begin the second year by leading a classroom of their own. Residents who complete the program will earn their certification and master’s degree over the course of the two years.
“Each year, there is a need for qualified, diverse teachers in Atlanta schools,” said Jondré Pryor, Head of Schools, KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools. “We’re excited to have Relay help increase the talented pool of educators that will help our students prepare for college and choice-filled lives.”
The residency program, launched with start-up philanthropy from redefinED Atlanta, will build on Relay’s work in Atlanta. This school year, Relay is working with 30 local school leaders, principal supervisors who are taking part in the National Principals & Principal Supervisors Academy or the Instructional Leaders Professional Development program.
Atlanta Public Schools will partner with Relay to expand the opportunity for school leaders while piloting a residency program. In many cases, aspiring teachers will be working with Relay-trained school leaders.
“Through my experience with Relay, I’m sharpening my skills as a principal supervisor. This program has helped me and the participating principals have a laser-like focus on high-leverage improvement areas,” said Danielle Battle, Associate Superintendent Mays & South Atlanta Clusters, Atlanta Public Schools. “I’m thrilled that other principals and teachers will have the opportunity to participate in Relay’s high-quality programs in the year ahead.”
In addition to supporting great educators, Relay is committed to diversifying the teacher workforce. More than two-thirds of Relay’s graduate student body self-identify as people of color. With 15 other campuses nationwide, nearly 75 percent of Relay’s residents identify themselves as black or Latinx. In addition, of those who have completed a Relay preparation program over the past six years, more than three-quarters remain working as teachers and teacher leaders in PK-12 classrooms. Across teacher and leadership program graduates, nearly 90 percent continue to work in education.
Relay has been authorized by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission to offer the master’s program and Georgia Professional Standards Commission to certify teachers. Classes for the residency program begin this summer. To learn more please visit https://bit.ly/RelayInterest.
About Relay Graduate School of Education
The Relay Graduate School of Education is a national, accredited, nonprofit institution of higher education whose mission is to teach teachers and school leaders to develop in all students the academic skills and strength of character needed to succeed in college and life. Now serving more than 3,400 teachers at 15 campuses and 400 leaders nationwide, Relay is eager to bring about transformational change in educator preparation. Relay is committed to using practice and feedback to become the place where a new generation of continuously improving, results-focused individuals can fulfill their destiny in the world’s greatest profession. For more information, please visit the Relay website (www.relay.edu) or follow Relay on Twitter (@RelayGSE).
About Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Georgia. The district is organized into nine K-12 clusters, serving 52,000 students across 89 schools and programs. For more information, visit www.atlantapublicschools.us, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaPublicSchools/ and on Twitter @apsupdate.
About KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools
KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools is a local non-profit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools educating 3,600 elementary, middle, and high school students. Our schools are part of the free public school system and enrollment is open to all students. At KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, our mission is to equip students with the academic skills, scholarly habits, and character traits necessary to be successful in top-quality colleges and the competitive world beyond. For more than a decade, KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools has been preparing students from educationally underserved communities for success in college and in life. To learn more, visit www.kippmetroatlanta.org, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/KIPPMetroAtlanta, and on Twitter @KIPPMAC.
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