Program Description: 

Are you a current or soon-to-be college graduate looking to become a credentialed middle or high school classroom teacher? Are you committed to social justice and want to teach youth in ways that center their cultural frameworks and lived experiences? Are you passionate about supporting Black students in racially isolated communities?

If so, The Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) program is for you. This innovative graduate and credentialing pathway helps aspiring educators gain real classroom experience while completing their credential or master’s degree through one of our partnering universities or graduate institutions.

Over one to two years, participants gain hands-on experience as classroom assistants or paraprofessionals in partner schools. By the end of the program, they are prepared to become full-time teachers of record—leading classrooms with the knowledge, skills, and passion to create equitable learning environments for all students.

Program Highlights:

• Flexible Path to Your Teaching Credential: Depending on the partnering institution, complete your program over one or two years—earning your teaching credential and/or graduate degree while gaining hands-on experience in schools that reflect your values and purpose.
• Classroom Experience: Work as a teacher assistant or paraprofessional in a classroom setting, co-teaching with mentor teachers, progressively leading instruction, and eventually transitioning to become a teacher of record.
• Culturally Responsive Professional Development: Participate in professional development sessions focused on culturally responsive teaching, restorative justice practices, and effective family engagement, aimed at fostering equitable classroom environments and building strong community relationships.
• Financial and Career Planning Support: Gain access to financial coaching, career planning, and mentorship that supports your growth both personally and professionally.
• Advocacy and Leadership: Contribute to program improvements, advocate for underrepresented students, and leverage the alumni network for ongoing leadership development.

Who Should Apply?
NBEW seeks college graduates committed to teaching and supporting Black students in racially isolated communities. You should have a passion for social justice, be eager to center students' lived experiences, and want to amplify Black voices and leadership in education.

What is Racial Isolation?
Racial isolation is the experience of being the only or one of the few individuals of a certain race in a community, school, or workplace. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and alienation, as well as limited access to cultural support or representation in these spaces.

NBEW addresses this inequity by preparing and placing educators who reflect the students they serve, building schools where representation, belonging, and leadership thrive.

Are you ready to be part of a movement that builds sustainable Black leadership in education? Apply today and take the next step toward becoming a credentialed educator and social justice advocate!

Learn more about the Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) program at www.projectsankofa.org/nbew-for-teachers.

NRT Program Components and Responsibilities:

• Classroom Engagement and Instructional Practice (Middle & High School Placements)
  • Work as a teacher assistant or paraprofessional in a partnering school to gain hands-on teaching experience.
  • Partner with a mentor teacher to co-plan and deliver engaging, inclusive lessons.
  • Gradually assume teaching responsibilities, including lesson delivery, classroom management, and student assessments.
  • Implement strategies that support diverse learners and foster a positive, equitable classroom environment. 
• Credentialing and Graduate Studies
  • Complete coursework through a university or approved credentialing institution.
  • Attend professional development workshops and residencies designed to support effective teaching practices.
  • Maintain progress toward program milestones in both credentialing and graduate studies.
• Advocacy and Leadership
  • Build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to foster trust and collaboration.
  • Contribute to NBEW program development by providing feedback on participant experiences and outcomes.
  • Serve as a role model for Black leadership excellence in education, inspiring students and peers alike.
• Long-Term Impact and Alumni Engagement
  • Join a vibrant alumni network for continued mentorship, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.
  • Leverage leadership pathways to amplify your influence in education and beyond.

Program Features and Benefits:

• Hybrid Model: Participate in virtual classes to complete credentialing coursework and attend in-person residencies for immersive professional development and networking opportunities.
• Hands-On Experience: Gain practical teaching experience by working as a teacher assistant or paraprofessional in partnering schools.
• Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance from experienced educators who understand the unique challenges of the teaching profession.
• Professional Development: Participate in culturally responsive training and leadership development opportunities.
• Financial Guidance: Access financial advisory services to support your career and financial planning.
• Networking: Build connections with a nationwide community of Black educators and allies dedicated to educational equity.
• Leadership Opportunities: Gain access to long-term pathways for growth and impact in education.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (required).
• Passion for fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments.
• Willingness to embrace challenges, learn from feedback, and grow as an educator.
• Dedication to the NBEW mission of empowering Black educators to lead and inspire.

Please note: By participating in this program, candidates are not employed by Project Sankofa. Instead, employment or placement opportunities are provided through NBEW’s partnering organizations, schools, or districts. These partner sites serve as the official employers of NRTs while Project Sankofa provides the overall program design, coordination, and professional development support.

By opting into the NBEW program, you agree to fully participate in and uphold all program goals, expectations, and requirements, including:

• Maintaining good academic and professional standing.
• Engaging fully in mentorship, coursework, and professional development sessions.
• Contributing positively to the NBEW community and its collective mission.

By the end of the program, NRTs are equipped to lead their own classrooms with the knowledge, skills, and passion to create transformative learning environments that reflect the brilliance and lived experiences of the students they serve.