Education leaders in Milwaukee, WI

Each summer, the Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT) brings its mission to life by equipping future educators with hands-on experience through a vibrant summer school program. Now in its 16th year, this initiative provides aspiring teachers and school leaders the opportunity to serve students from urban communities while sharpening their skills in real-time classrooms.

With 21 schools participating this year, nearly 70% of enrolled students are part of the school choice program, creating what CfUT Director of Mission Advancement Jose Rosario calls a “natural synergy” between their faith-based approach and the values of many choice schools: empowering families to choose the best educational setting for their children.

Each morning of the summer program begins with an all-school assembly filled with energy, devotionals, and community-building. From there, students head to classrooms led by passionate teaching teams, where academic growth is nurtured alongside personal and cultural enrichment. Program leaders like Keosha, Lauren, and Aidan say the experience has deepened their appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work of administrators and helped them grow professionally outside of the typical school year. These three have been leading CfUT’s summer program at St. Adalbert in Milwaukee this year, and they will be taking on leadership roles in local schools during the upcoming 2025-26 school year.

CfUT Executive Director Krysta DeBoer sees the summer program as one form of “preventative care” their organization can provide for urban schools, acknowledging a responsibility for this work to expand outside of just Milwaukee. With a 38% increase in program interest over the past five years, CfUT’s reach is growing into Racine, with Madison, Green Bay, and Beloit on the horizon.

By investing in educators and schools, CfUT plays a key role in strengthening educational options for Wisconsin families. Their mission aligns closely with ours at SCW to empower parents through access to high-quality educational options. Together, we can expand both excellence and opportunity for students across the state.