Urban Program

Urban Program

Learn how to join

Available to IU Bloomington students only

Student teaching placements are made in Chicago, Illinois. Most of these placements are made in the Albany Park and Irving Park neighborhood on the north side of the city, but some exceptions are made to accommodate participants’ content areas.

Most participants live in an apartment with fellow participants; these apartments are found through a partner organization called UNITE. Students have their own bedroom and share other living spaces. Alternatively, students can choose to live with a host family within their student teaching school neighborhood. This allows students greater cultural immersion as well as lower costs of living.

Student Spotlight

Sarah Brinegar student taught at Murphy Elementary School in Albany Park, Chicago, in a kindergarten classroom during Spring 2019. "Participating in Global Gateway was easily the best decision I made during my time at IU, and teaching in Chicago was the perfect ending to my undergrad and beginning of my teaching career."

Read Sarah's story

Costs and Scholarships

The cost of the Urban Program is comparable to the cost of living on campus during student teaching. The Global Gateway for Teachers cannot provide exact cost information as costs will vary throughout the year and from one individual to the next. Some costs may include:

  • Transportation to Chicago: Students can choose to take their car with them to Chicago, although Chicago’s public transportation, the CTA, will be able to transport students to their schools and other desired
  • Rent: Apartment rent or payment to host family
  • Utilities: Divided amongst apartment tenants
  • Meals and groceries
  • Social expenses: Dinners, cultural immersion activities, weekend excursions, and other social activities

Teaching Responsibilities

Students complete 16 weeks of student teaching in Chicago Public Schools, the third largest school corporation in the United States. Most subject areas and license additions can be accommodated in the schools. Check with us first! In addition to teaching, students are encouraged to be active participants in the community and the school, including volunteering at food pantries or running after school clubs and sports.

Contact Us

For more program information, contact:

Laura L. Stachowski, Ph.D.
Director
stachows@indiana.edu
(812) 856-8507

Amara Stuehling, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
astuehli@indiana.edu
(812) 856-8529