Start or advance your career as an urban educator – in just one year’s time
Alternative Route to Teacher Certification Program (22 credits)
Together we can transform the landscape of urban education, meeting the unique educational demands of K-12 urban classrooms. With this education graduate certificate, you’ll learn culturally responsive teaching strategies that empower students intellectually, socially and emotionally. Additionally, you’ll receive mentoring and coaching throughout the program with 1:1 data-based feedback to refine your teaching, as you continue to learn. Flexible class schedules are available with Davenport's Global Campus.
All coursework for this graduate certificate program is based on graduate-level instruction, therefore all program participants must possess a bachelor’s degree. If you have a bachelor’s degree and have passed the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in your discipline area, you’ll also receive an interim teaching certificate (along with this education graduate certificate) that allows you to teach in Michigan schools while you fulfill credential requirements.
This urban education graduate certificate also opens doors to further career opportunities for current educators seeking an additional endorsement or certification.
What is urban education?
While this program will equip you to teach diverse populations in urban schools, the knowledge and skills you acquire will prepare you to succeed in all primary or secondary educational settings.
Explore classes for Davenport’s urban education graduate certificate
Become a culturally competent urban educator through urban education graduate certificate courses that include foundations of urban education, family and community partnership practice, educational psychology in urban education and culturally responsive classroom management.
Which class should I take? When should I take it?
See our Recommended Program Sequences:
Why pursue an urban education graduate certificate at Davenport?
In addition to your courses for the education graduate certificate, you’ll build cultural competence by working directly in urban classrooms mentored and coached by experienced teachers. If you’re already a teacher, you’ll gain additional endorsements and develop the highly sought-after skills you need to advance your career as an urban educator.
Plus, once your urban education graduate certificate is in hand, you’ll be just 20 credits away from obtaining a master of urban education, should you choose to advance even further at Davenport.
Experience the Davenport difference:
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Faculty experts in urban educationLearn from Davenport faculty who have 30+ years of collective experience as educators, with expertise in areas like elementary and secondary teaching and educational leadership as well as certification in Online+ learning instruction. |
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Expedited path to becoming an urban educatorTeach in Michigan schools while fulfilling credential requirements through this graduate certificate program. Receive an interim teaching certificate while completing this one-year certificate. |
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Award-winning programDavenport is a Transformational Award Winner as recognized by the American Council on Education. |
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Mentorship and guidanceReceive the guidance and mentorship you need to become an in-demand urban educator by being paired with a master teacher within your assigned school in an urban setting. |
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Tuition assistance and grantsReceive tuition assistance and be paid as a full-time teacher when you enroll in Davenport’s graduate certificate program if you work for one of our partner districts. TEACH Grants are also available. |
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Service learning and researchGet involved in STEM-oriented service-learning opportunities in the graduate certificate program. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through projects and research in urban education and more. |
Hear one principal's thoughts about Davenport's College of Urban Education
“The College of Urban Education prepares teachers to work in urban education because all of the courses that it offers are well connected to meeting the needs of urban districts.”
-Arnaldo Melendez, M Ed ’17
Principal, Dickinson Cultural Center
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Get started on your urban education graduate certificate
Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward earning your education graduate certificate at Davenport.
Talk to a graduate admissions advisor
Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.
Apply now or request more information
Become an urban educator through the graduate certificate program. Request more information or begin your application now.
Programs related to the urban education graduate certificate
About Davenport University
Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.
Offering over 80 degree and certificate programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at Davenport University.*
Step 1 | Apply for admission to Davenport University.
- Must have a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Send official transcripts to electronictranscripts@davenport.edu
Step 2 | Complete the Urban Education Graduate Supplement.
- To do so, you'll need:
- Answers to short-form questions
- Resume
- Information for background check
Licensure and Disclosure Information
Effective July 1, 2024, the Department of Education requires all programs that prepare students for occupations requiring licensure to meet all licensing requirements for each State in which a new student is located if they are not enrolled in face-to-face instruction or in a State in which a student attests they intend to seek employment. Schools are required to disclose to students whether a program leading to licensure meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in a state.
This program leads to professional licensure. Davenport University has determined that this program meets the licensure requirements for the state of Michigan.
If you are not a Michigan resident please contact: Dr. Rhonda White for additional information.
Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses
Sources:
DU Student Data, Fall 2023
Davenport University, 2023/2024 Catalog