Relay Launches Residency and Master's Programs in the District of Columbia

Today, Relay Graduate School of Education announced its expansion to serve students and teachers of Washington, D.C. The student population’s expected growth creates the need for ensuring that educators have the knowledge to increase the effectiveness of the classroom. The opening of Relay’s 15th campus will bring teacher development to D.C.’s diverse community.

“Relay is a national leader in ensuring the best educators, whether aspiring or veteran, have the opportunities to practice and improve in a supportive environment,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Jennifer Niles. “Our teachers are one of our city’s greatest assets, and Relay’s investment in educators in both our public and public charter schools is also an investment in our students and our communities.”

Relay will offer two programs. The Teaching Residency Program caters to college graduates and career changers, while the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Program is for current teachers who have been in the field for at least one year. The two-year Teaching Residency Program focuses on helping new teachers by preparing them for the classroom. Residency participants will work alongside a mentor teacher during the first year and will begin the second year by leading a classroom of their own. The M.A.T. Program is for teachers who have previous experience in teaching, and will give them the opportunity to refine their teaching techniques in the classroom.

“At Education Forward DC, we’re working to advance the quality and equity in public schools in Washington, D.C. That includes ensuring every child learns in a classroom led by a high-quality teacher,” said Jacquelyn Davis, partner at Education Forward DC. “Relay D.C. will help us reach our shared vision of a city where every student is prepared for college and career with the help of exceptional educators.”

In previous years, Relay trained 20 school leaders in the nation’s capital through its acclaimed National Principal’s Academy Fellowship Program. With Relay’s strong track record in D.C., they join the community with residency partners such as D.C. Public Schools, KIPP DC and AppleTree Early Learning.

"Relay's early education track is an incredible complement to AppleTree's focus on young students,” said Anne Zummo Malone, AppleTree’s Chief of Schools. “We're thrilled to partner with them to train a diverse cohort of highly-motivated teachers to support us in our mission of ensuring all students start Kindergarten ready to succeed."

Additionally, Relay is committed to diversifying the teacher workforce. Seventy one percent of Relay’s first cohort of Residents identify as black or Hispanic. With 14 other campuses nationwide, nearly 70 percent of Relay’s residents identify themselves as black or Latino.

“Relay’s mission is to teach teachers,” said Brooke James, who will serve as dean of Relay D.C. “We’re excited to bring these programs so that teachers will have the necessary tools to pursue a long-term career in teaching; a career they can begin right here in D.C.”

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