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Programs

Academy of Urban Education

Sites
Horace Howard Furness High School
Overbrook High School
Parkway West High School

Overview
The Academy of Urban Education is a program implemented and managed by the Philadelphia Academies, Inc. Seeing the need for more qualified teachers in Philadelphia, the Academy of Urban Education is designed to serve as an introduction to the teaching profession and other educational careers for students in the Philadelphia School District. The Academy of Urban Education is dedicated to preparing students both academically and emotionally for college. The Academy offers students opportunities to interact with their community to help bring about effective change in their schools and their communities.

• Students in this Academy have the opportunity to:
  • Take advantage of a Job Guarantee Agreement that specifically guarantees every graduate of the program a teaching position upon completion of a college degree and Pennsylvania teacher certification.
  • Participate in an instructional internship, in which they observe mentor teachers and practice planning and teaching lessons.
  • Participate in programs designed to enhance leadership skills and students’ ability to serve the community in meaningful ways.
  • Attend summer enhancement programs and gain dual enrollment credit for college while still in high school.

Meaningful links to post-secondary education are a key element of this program. Substantive partnerships with the education departments of area colleges and universities help prepare Academy students for the academic rigor and culture of a college campus, while also giving them a look at the teacher-training curriculum.

The Academy’s Industry Advisory Board and other partners support the program by providing practice interviews, speakers, tours and internships for students and by working with Academies staff to develop curriculum and train teachers. Board members for the Academy of Urban Education currently include representatives of Community College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State University-Brandywine, School District of Philadelphia, Temple University, and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.

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