Urban Teacher Program (UTP) Student Handbook

  1. Home
  2. I. UTP Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles
  3. II. UTP Standards of Professional Conduct
  4. III. Seeking Admission to the UTP
  5. IV. Advising, Financial Aid, and other Support
  6. V. Program Factsheets of Required Courses, Completion Worksheets, and Course Transfer Info
  7. VI. Required Field Experiences
    1. What is Urban?
    2. How do I get a placement?
    3. Expectations and Policies
    4. Field Experience Checkpoints towards Licensure
    5. Background Checks
    6. Application to Student Teach
      1. Sample Resumes & Essays
    7. Student Teaching Handbooks
  8. VII. Standards, Required Assessments & Exams
  9. VIII. Graduation, Program Completion & Licensure
  10. IX. School of Urban Education and University Policies
  11. X. Expressing Complaints, Providing Suggestions and Other Feedback
  12. XI. Help Using TaskStream
  13. XII. Forms
Home > VI. Required Field Experiences > What is Urban?

What is Urban?

In November 2014, the School of Urban Education updated its definition of "urban" to reflect the changing demographics in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Conceptually:      “Urban” areas are densely populated, ethnically, racially, and linguistically pluralistic settings with mass transit that meet both specified geographic and demographic criteria.

Demographically:    “Urban” schools enroll significant numbers of students within at least one of the following demographic criteria that includes English Learners as well as students with special needs.   “Urban” schools enroll…

  • At least 40% students of color, and/or
  • At least 50% students who qualify for free/reduced lunch

Geographically:  “Urban” schools in Minnesota are located within the 7 county Twin Cities metropolitan area, and are not within rural or ex-urban communities (see list and map in attachment below)

File Attachments:
  1. What is "Urban"? What is "Urban"?
    Defines geographic and demographic criteria. Map included with list of districts that have "urban" schools. Important related policies also included.
Author: Urban Teacher Program Manager
Last modified: 8/6/2023 9:11 PM (EDT)