Black Educators Initiative
Origin Story
Vision
To improve student outcomes by increasing student access to effective Black teachers.
The National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR) Black Educators Initiative (BEI) works with teacher residencies across the United States to recruit, prepare, and retain new Black educators. NCTR launched this initiative in 2019 after receiving a 5-year $20 million grant from Ballmer Group, which believes that all neighborhoods deserve strong schools and a more representative, racially diverse workforce of teachers and school leaders. With these funds, BEI was tasked with developing 750 new Black educators through NCTR's national network of teacher residency members. To date, BEI has exceeded this goal by supporting over 1,300 Black teacher residents and growing the NCTR membership.
Mission
To recruit, prepare, and retain Black educators nationally through teacher residency programs by investing in “homegrown” recruitment pipelines that reflect the communities of color predominantly served in Title I schools.
General Services
BEI provides the following:
- Scholarships, stipends, and other incentive funds to support Black teacher residents’ full participation in essential clinical experiences
- Increased induction support, including job search assistance, alumni networks, and professional development for graduates
- Memberships in professional development and networking organizations
- Increased mentor teacher stipends to attract experienced, effective teachers as mentors of Black teacher residents
Well-Being Supports
To support staff well-being, BEI provides the following:
- Culturally and linguistically sustaining and trauma-informed practices
- Affinity groups to reduce isolation, build community, and empower leadership
- Mental health and social-emotional learning support, including contracting with Black therapists
- Mentors who can cultivate prospective Black educators
Recruitment and Retention Services
BEI provides the following:
- Financial benefits, including stipends, licensure testing fees, and other professional development costs
- Culturally responsive recruitment practices and shared demographics between residents and recruiters
- Rigorous clinical preparation and coaching from expert mentors
- Networking with diverse members in local community schools and HBCUs
To learn more:
- Listen to an excerpt from our Working Well Podcast conversation with Keilani Googins.
- Visit the BEI website.
- Contact Keilani Goggins via email.
Related Resources
Below is a selection of resources where you can learn more.