Teachers play a vital role in shaping future generations. Yet children in low-income neighborhoods who should have equitable access to the most effective teachers often don’t. One reason is that teachers in underserved schools often lack the training, resources and hands-on expertise to address the complex and diverse needs of children in inner-city schools.

City Teaching Alliance was created in 2019 with a powerful mission: to improve educational outcomes by preparing aspiring teachers for success in today’s classrooms. Its bold, one-of-a-kind initiative of the same name includes key partnerships with Baltimore City Public Schools, American University and AmeriCorps. The combination of neighborhood outreach, graduate-level study, clinical experience, certification support and long-term professional development creates a pipeline of extraordinary educators—more than 70% of whom identify as people of color.

The initiative is set up as a four-year program, with two years of preparation and certification followed by two years of career cultivation. During this time, participants are equipped with culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices for academic achievement and long-term engagement.

To date, City Teaching Alliance has placed more than 315 educators in nearly 90 underserved Baltimore City schools and reached over 120,000 young people, most of whom identify as Black, Brown or economically disadvantaged. School leaders report that City Teaching Alliance educators are contributing to a stronger school climate, more effective instruction and improved student outcomes.

“With the right foundation in place and continued support, aspiring teachers are better prepared to navigate the challenges of the classroom and grow in their careers. We’re committed to sharing with other school districts and nonprofits what we’ve learned about recruiting, developing and retaining teachers, which is why we’ve replicated our program in Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.,” said Dr. Rahesha Amon, CEO of City Teaching Alliance.

“By reimagining teacher training models and providing hands-on clinical experience and ongoing professional development, we can empower career educators to positively affect the educational and life outcomes for all children.”

2025 Thomas J. Moran Award Recipient

City Teaching Alliance

ORGANIZATION
City Teaching Alliance

PROGRAM
City Teaching Alliance of Baltimore, MD

PARTNERS

• Baltimore City Public Schools
• American University
• AmeriCorps

“I wanted to become a teacher because I knew I had the heart to truly see students and encourage them on their educational journey. However, I also recognized the need to be equipped with the skills to not only care, but to teach, lead, and push students. Joining [City Teaching Alliance] felt like the right step because I was ready to channel my passion into purposeful action.”
—Chazma, Cohort 2025, Fellow Year 1

CONTACT INFORMATION
City Teaching Alliance
8 Marketplace, Office #68
Baltimore, MD 21202
410.662.6600
cityteachingalliance.org

Dr. Rahesha Amon
Chief Executive Officer
rahesha.amon@cityteachingalliance.org