Relay Graduate School of Education exists to solve a fundamental crisis in American education: the vast majority of students, particularly those from underserved communities, are not being taught by teachers who have the skills and training to help them succeed. Traditional teacher preparation programs have long struggled to bridge the gap between theory and practice, leaving educators unprepared for the complex realities of today's classrooms. Relay was founded in 2011 by three charter school networks - KIPP, Achievement First, and Uncommon Schools - with a bold vision to transform educator preparation through practice-based learning that actually works. Today, Relay serves over 4,000 teachers and 1,200 school leaders nationwide, providing master's degrees, certification programs, and professional development that emphasize continuous improvement through observation, feedback, and deliberate practice.
What sets Relay apart is an unwavering focus on what actually moves the needle for student learning. Relay's curriculum is rooted in pedagogical theory and evidence of what works best in real classrooms, with practices that have the most significant impact on student development. The institution offers flexible online and in-person programs across multiple states, making high-quality educator preparation accessible to teachers and leaders where they live and work. With a vision to build a more just world where every student has access to outstanding educators and a clear path to a fulfilling life, Relay measures its success not by degrees conferred, but by the 1.2 million students educated by Relay alumni and the transformative impact those educators have in classrooms across America every single day.