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A graduate certification program designed specifically to prepare teachers to be effective in urban schools is now being offered by the College of Education at the University of Memphis.

The certificate will be awarded after completion of a 12-credit-hour program, which can be combined with a master’s or doctoral degree program. It integrates graduate coursework with innovative learning experiences such as engaged scholarship, virtual learning experiences, problem-solving strategizing with local leaders, and education advocacy and activism.

The rationale behind the program is the creation of a critical mass of teachers who are highly skilled in their field, who commit to education as a civil right for all children, and who will be able to help children reach a high degree of educational achievement. The participants in the program are also expected to be those who believe that educating children is the basis for a high quality of life and a healthy economy.

“The University of Memphis, through its College of Education, is uniquely positioned to offer an advanced emphasis such as this,” said Dr. Beverly Cross, who holds the Chair of Excellence in Urban Education.

More information about the Graduate Certificate in Urban Education is available from Dr. Cross via email at becross@memphis.edu

The College of Education boasts a distinguished faculty of 120 full-time scholars in four departments and 16 research centers, including one of the University’s 25 Centers of Excellence – the Center for Research in Educational Policy – in addition to the staff of the College’s laboratory schools: the Campus School, serving grades one through six, and the Barbara K. Lipman Early Childhood School and Research Institute.

It is the oldest college at the University of Memphis and is one of Tennessee’s largest producers of certified teachers as well as professionals for careers in nutrition and dietetics, health and sports sciences, counseling, educational psychology, P-16 leadership, and educational research.