Institutional Mission
Relay’s mission is to teach teachers and school leaders to develop in all students the academic skills and strength of character needed to succeed in college and life. Our vision is to become the place where a new generation of continuously improving, mission-driven individuals can fulfill their destiny in the world’s greatest profession.
Academic and Certification Program Offerings
Relay offers the following programs: the Master of Arts in Teaching, Alternate Route to Certification (nondegree), Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education, and the Advanced Certificate in Special Education. Program availability varies by state.
Applicants to any of Relay’s programs must have secured a full-time classroom position at a partner PK–12 school. Prospective teachers may participate in Relay’s degree and licensure programs through the Relay Teaching Residency, which offers structured support for aspiring teachers. The Relay Teaching Residency is offered through partnerships with select partner schools, districts, and networks.
Many of Relay’s academic programs are designed to meet educational requirements for educator licensure. In compliance with US Department of Education regulations (§ 668.43(a)(5)(v) and § 668.43(c)), Relay has made determinations about whether its programs meet the educational requirements for educator licensure in each state. Educational requirements include coursework and clinical experience tied to coursework. Note that even though a program may meet these requirements, individual students must also meet state- and program-specific requirements for admission to and completion of an educator preparation program and any other state licensure requirements (e.g., testing, background checks) to be eligible for licensure. Refer to the Educator Licensure Pathways by State and Program page on the Relay website for details.
Certification-seeking students are expected to pursue a certification area that aligns with their Relay major and teaching placement. Students should review the specific academic and licensure requirements and policies for the program in which they are enrolling. State- and program-specific information can be found in the Support Center, including certification/licensure requirements, policies, and deadlines.
Program Offerings by Campus
- Atlanta; Baton Rouge; Chicago; Connecticut; Dallas–Fort Worth; Delaware; Denver; Houston; Indianapolis; Memphis; Nashville; Newark; New Orleans; New York; Philadelphia & Camden; San Antonio; Washington, DC
- Alternate Route to Certification (nondegree)
- Baton Rouge, Dallas–Fort Worth, Delaware, Denver, Houston, New Orleans, Philadelphia & Camden, San Antonio
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education (42 credits)
- Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Delaware, Denver, Memphis, Nashville, Newark, New Orleans, New York, Online, Philadelphia & Camden
- Advanced Certificate in Special Education (21 credits)
- Atlanta; Baton Rouge; Delaware; Denver; Memphis; Nashville; Newark; New Orleans; New York; Online; Philadelphia & Camden; Washington, DC
Career Outcomes
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects nearly 1.9 million job openings for teachers of preschool through postsecondary school between 2014 and 2024.[1]
[1] https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/article/education-jobs-teaching-for-a-living.htm