Program Description

Project Sankofa is excited to announce an opportunity for individuals interested in becoming a New Resident Teacher (NRT) within the Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) program.

This entry-level, hybrid role—located in Los Angeles and surrounding areas—is designed to cultivate future educators and advance educational equity across our communities.

The Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) is a transformative initiative led by Project Sankofa that recruits, develops, and supports aspiring Black educators through a structured pathway combining graduate study, classroom experience, mentorship, and leadership development. Participants serve as paraprofessionals or teacher assistants in partner schools while completing credentialing and/or master’s degree requirements through a partnering university or graduate institution.

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.

We are proud to already be working in Southern California, supporting aspiring educators and connecting with school districts and community organizations that share our mission. As we continue to strengthen partnerships with local universities, graduate programs, and K–12 districts, we are preparing to officiall

What We Offer

NBEW provides a graduate and credentialing pathway that combines academic coursework with immersive classroom experience and leadership development. Through this program, participants gain:

• Hands-on classroom experience as teacher assistants or paraprofessionals in partner schools.
• Graduate-level coursework through an accredited university or credentialing institution, leading to a Master’s in Education and/or Teaching Credential.
• Mentorship and coaching from experienced educators and leaders who reflect the communities we serve.
• Culturally responsive professional development focused on restorative practices, community engagement, and equity-centered teaching.
• Financial literacy and career planning support to help you navigate both your professional and personal growth.

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

Current Status: Southern California Waitlist

At this time, we are actively building our waitlist for interested applicants in Southern California and will begin engaging with waitlisted participants once formal university and district partnerships are confirmed in Spring 2026.

Joining the waitlist ensures that you’ll be among the first to receive updates, invitations to information sessions, and early access to the application once it opens.

Who Should Join

The NBEW program is designed for individuals who are passionate about educational justice, representation, and community impact. Ideal candidates include:

• Recent or soon-to-be college graduates.
• Paraprofessionals or teacher assistants currently working in schools.
• Career-changers seeking to transition into education with purpose and mentorship.

If you’re ready to become a New Resident Teacher (NRT) who will lead classrooms and communities toward a more just and inclusive future, join our waitlist and be among the first to apply when our Spring 2026 SoCal cohort opens.

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.

How to join waitlist:

Submit the interest form online. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and will not be reviewed until Spring 2026.

Selection Process:

• Application review and screening
• Virtual one-way video interview
• Final selection and program onboarding

To learn more, visit: https://www.projectsankofa.org/nbew-for-teachers