Admissions and Enrollment

Summer and Fall 2026

This year, take the leap toward becoming the outstanding educator you want to be.

Start your Relay journey

Relay is now enrolling for the Summer and Fall 2026 terms, and we can’t wait to talk with you! Fill out our interest form and an Admissions Liaison will be in touch soon:

I’M INTERESTED


Applications are rolling; however, we recommend applying early to ensure the best days and times for classes.  See all deadlines

A foundation you can rely on

For more than a decade, Relay has prepared 14,000 teachers through programs grounded in real classrooms, real students, and real impact. No matter where you study, every Relay program is anchored in a powerful, shared foundation:

  • A community of educators — Relay serves educators at every point in their careers and is committed to recruiting and retaining educators to meet the tremendous need across this country.
  • Evidence-based, practical curriculum — Our approach is based on current research and field experience. We emphasize continuous improvement through observation, feedback, and practice, practice, practice.
  • Experienced and supportive faculty and advisors — All Relay faculty and student advisors were selected because they have  been highly effective PK-12 educators who can impart actionable,  real-world strategies. Dedicated Managers of Student Success will support you through every aspect of your experience with an approach focused on meeting your needs. 
  • A flexible and accessible education — We focus on keeping costs affordable for educators and school partners. As such, all courses are available live online – using best practices for virtual learning, community building, and engagement. Best of all, textbooks and class materials are all free for you and easily accessible 24/7 online.

Ascend to the next level, from any point in your career

Relay’s Teacher Preparation programs are for you if: 


  • You are interested in becoming a teacher and haven’t yet accepted a teaching role (including Teach for America corps members).
  • You are already working in schools in a role that is not a full-time teaching role, but does have instructional responsibilities (For example, a paraprofessional, a co-teacher, a specialist, etc), or you have accepted such a position.
  • You are currently a full-time teacher in a classroom (i.e. a “teacher of record”), or have accepted such a position.


Are you a non-teaching instructional leader at the school or central office level Go to Relay Professional Education.

A program that fits what you need

We offer different programs to meet your needs, no matter where you are in your teaching journey:

For assistant and co-teachers:
Master of Arts in Teaching - Residency
Certification Only Programs - Residency
For lead teachers:
Master of Arts in Teaching - Residency
Certification Only Programs - Non Residency
Advanced Certificate in Special Education
Learn more about these programs ⟶

Tailored to your location

Relay offers a wide variety of programs across the country. However, our programs differ based on the certification/licensure requirements in each state.
Find your state below for details about our programs as well as state-specific requirements and deadlines:
ColoradoConnecticutDelawareGeorgia
IllinoisNew JerseyNew York
PennsylvaniaTennesseeTexas
Don’t see your state listed? Learn more about Relay in your state

High quality, affordable cost

Relay is proud to be one of the most affordable, high quality and accessible teacher preparation programs in the country. Our all-inclusive tuition model means no surprise fees (even textbooks are covered!).
As a nonprofit, we believe that finances should not be a barrier to becoming a teacher or to accessing high quality professional development. Your tuition cost can be greatly reduced by several forms of financial aid.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid ⟶

Enrollment schedule

Summer and Fall 2026 term
Admissions deadline
Complete application by
Early Advantage Deadline

Enables priority choice of classes, lessens course workload by distributing it over more weeks

Jun 8, 2026

Standard Deadline

Enables attendance at main summer classes

Jun 22, 2026

Extended Deadline

By this deadline, some classes may not be available

Jul 20, 2026

Fall Start

For certain states; not permitted in Illinois

Aug 28, 2026

SEE FULL DEADLINE INFORMATION
Start your journey today

We are here for you every step of the way. Start by filling out our interest form and an Admissions Liaison will be in touch soon:

I’M INTERESTED

You can also: