Embracing Change and Supporting IRT Scholars: A Commitment to Growth and Well-Being
As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential to remember that IRT is steadfast in its commitment to your well-being, your capacity for learning, and your desire to make a difference. We understand that the challenges facing today’s scholars are unique, and we remain here to support you.
The admissions committee is hard at work reviewing over 100 applications for our new cohort, set to begin in June. Our advising team is equally dedicated to assisting our current cohort as they navigate the next steps in their academic journeys. Many are eagerly awaiting responses from colleges and universities regarding their acceptance decisions and funding packages. Additionally, we’re providing critical support to scholars who have been affected by institutions reducing cohort sizes or rescinding acceptance offers due to financial constraints. This situation highlights the unpredictability of today’s academic environment, but we remain committed to guiding our scholars in making informed choices.
In an effort to offer timely and relevant insights into graduate school life, we’ve expanded our alumni panels this semester. These sessions provided valuable perspectives from alumni who have walked the path before, offering guidance and support to our current cohort. This semester, we held a series of panels on diverse and important topics, including but not limited to:
- Family Caretakers & Non-Traditional Students
- Insights from Current Graduate Students
- Higher Education Staff & Student Affairs Professionals
- Being LGBTQIA2+ in Graduate School
- The Journey of Applying to Graduate School Multiple Times
We are incredibly grateful to the alumni who took time out of their busy schedules to engage with our current scholars, answering questions and addressing concerns with honesty and vulnerability. Their insights are invaluable to the ongoing development of our scholars and the strengthening of our community. Special shout out to Leislie Godo-Solo, IRT ’91, IRT Education Program Specialist, for coordinating the alumni speakers and hosting the panels on RingCentral Events.
As we look toward the new cohort beginning in early June, we are excited to finalize the program syllabus and prepare for this year’s Summer Workshop. The Summer Workshop will be a four-week intensive, held virtually to ensure all accepted scholars can participate, regardless of location. The theme for this year’s workshop centers around an essential question: What does it mean to be a professional intellectual?
This question will be explored in three distinct parts:
- Part I: How to be a student/scholar in the classroom?
- Part II: How to be a student/scholar outside of the classroom?
- Part III: How to prepare for a career as an academic professional?
As we begin to delve into these topics, we invite you to reflect on your own experiences. What comes to mind when you consider these questions? How have you navigated your academic and professional journey so far? We would love to hear your thoughts and reflections as we continue to shape thoughtful and meaningful dialogue.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we’ll continue to aspire, advocate, and advance a lasting impact.
Malama pono (take good care),
Catherine Wong
IRT Associate Director and Manager of Programs
Institute for Recruitment of Teachers 