"The Urban Education Leaders Program at Teachers College, Columbia has had a powerful influence on my development around adult development, transformational leadership, labor relations, conflict resolution, race relations, policy, ethics, law, community-centered leadership, evidenced-based decision making, cutting-edge research, and so much more, in a way that is unquestionably life changing. Furthermore, access to remarkable professors, talented cohort teammates, and the powerful resources available in Teachers College, Columbia University community has fortified my personal and professional mission, respectively."
"The challenges facing public education today require a comprehensive understanding of policy, practice, and research. That is why I am so grateful that UELP provides the opportunity for students to learn from faculty and fellow cohort members that are true innovators within the field."
"As the preeminent program in addressing current issues around race and equity in urban education, UELP has prepared me to have conversations about the issues that matter most, such as cultural relevance in instruction, politics and education, and disproportionality. I've learned to be more intentional in my approach to leadership, thinking about how systems positively and negatively impact all students."
"This experience has been incredibly enriching as an educational leader. It has provided me an opportunity to process my experiences as a teacher, principal, African-American woman, and national education consultant in many ways--increasing the depth of my knowledge as a practitioner and advocate for educational equity and offering the added empowerment I needed to radically reimagine what education for all children should encompass."
"Beyond receiving a comprehensive education and preparation for leadership positions in urban education, at Teachers College, the faculty in the Urban Education Leaders Program provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure success. The professors present relevant course material in an engaging way that is clear, applicable and timely. The program balances content and pedagogy which is delivered by leaders in the field (both in research and in practice) of urban education. I know I will graduate from this program well prepared to navigate and impact the ever changing landscape of urban education."
"The purposeful design of the Urban Education Leaders Program strategically weaves research, policy and practice. The program has provided me with the language to engage in purposeful conversations in order to move the agenda for equity and access for all students across urban school systems. The unwavering commitment from professors along with a diverse cohort that is determined to changing the landscape of urban education will continue to have an impact on me both professionally and personally for a lifetime."
"I chose this program because of the caliber of the professors I would have, the depth of the work, and the collaboration and support that I would receive from my classmates. The experience has exceeded my expectations on every level. I was prepared to be challenged at a head level, but the work has served to change me at a heart level. This process of re-perceiving the world has caused me to create new academic and professional goals. UELP has enabled me to serve my students better through strengthening my leadership skills."
"As a practicing superintendent, UELP provided multiple opportunities to solidify and expand theory and practice. Working with a diverse cohort of colleagues allowed for multiple perspectives and opportunities to push each other's thinking. There is a great balance of problem based learning and fascinating research that we can add to our leadership toolbox. The professors bring a depth of knowledge and passion to their areas of study which makes our learning purposeful and engaging."