Selection Process & Application

University of Dayton students participate in the Urban Teacher Academy (UTA) for two years, as juniors and seniors. Students apply when they are sophomores. Classroom teachers working in Dayton Public Schools are encouraged to apply as academy mentors to guide our student teachers.

Selection Criteria

The work of Martin Haberman and the SRI Teacher Perceiver Interview have informed the identification of selection criteria. A number of critical, desirable traits should be evident with both teacher and student candidates and can be demonstrated through the essay and the interview process. These common traits are perseverance, creativity, organization, creative problem-solving, empathy, desire, flexibility, adaptability, stamina and acceptance of diversity. Additionally, students must have successfully completed their sophomore course of study and must carry at least a 2.5 GPA.

The interview questions include the Haberman Star Urban Teacher Interview along with selected questions from the SRI Teacher Perceiver Interview.

Deadlines

The schedule for students and mentors is as follows:

  • Application deadline: March 23, 2012
  • Information meeting: March 21, 2012 (3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Chaminade Hall, Room 102)
  • Review of applications: March 26-30, 2012
  • Interviews: April 9-13, 2012
  • Selection of participants:  April 16, 2012
  • New cohort reception: April 24, 2012 (3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Chaminade Hall, Room 102)

If you have any questions or need assistance while preparing your application to the Urban Teacher Academy, contact Dr. Rochanda Nenonene at 937-229-3084.

Application for Students

Thank you for your interest in the Urban Teacher Academy. The need for exceptional teaching is greatest in urban school districts, and we commend your desire to serve this population of students in your professional career. Because of the critical nature of the urban challenge, the selection process for the Urban Teacher Academy is a major focus. 

The student application comprises three parts:

  • An application form, which must be filled out completely. Download the Student Application (pdf) >>
  • An essay prompt, which will focus your thoughts as you complete the writing requirement.
  • Three student referral forms to be completed by your advisor, a previous professor, and a fellow classmate.

Please submit materials to the following address:

UTA Director
300 College Park Drive
Dayton, OH 45469-0510

You may also hand deliver your application to Dr. Rochanda Nenonene in the Urban Teacher Academy office in Chaminade Hall Annex, A-112N.

Application for Mentor Teachers

The need for exceptional teaching is greatest in urban school districts, and we commend your desire to participate in the preparation of pre-service teaching students who have committed to serving this population of students in their professional careers. Without strong, effective and sensitive mentors, these future teachers will have difficulty acquiring the skills and attitudes necessary for success in urban schools. Because of the critical nature of the urban challenge, the selection process for the Urban Teacher Academy is a major focus. 

The mentor application comprises three parts:

  • An application form, which must be filled out completely. Download the Mentor Application (pdf) >>
  • An essay prompt, which will focus your thoughts as you complete the writing requirement.
  • Three mentor referral forms to be completed by your building principal, a district administrator, and a fellow teacher.

Please submit materials to the following address:

UTA Director
300 College Park Drive
Dayton, OH 45469-0510

You may also hand deliver your application to Dr. Rochanda Nenonene in the Urban Teacher Academy office in Chaminade Hall Annex, A-112N.