NCORE, Hope, and the Power of Collective Action at IRT
The recent NCORE conference in New York City was abuzz with keynotes, workshops, and conversations about hope and possibility in our ever-evolving educational landscape. But what truly resonated with me wasn’t just the aspirational talk; it was the tangible, on-the-ground manifestations of these ideals. We engaged in courageous intergenerational and cross-college conversations, actively building coalitions and fostering collective action.
This got me thinking: what does hope and possibility look like in real time for us at IRT?
For IRT, hope and possibility manifest in powerful ways:
- A new cohort of over 130 aspiring graduate students. These scholars are fervent about pursuing graduate education, deeply committed to their research, eager to embrace culturally responsive teaching practices, and actively seeking a supportive community. Their drive fuels our own hope for the future of education.
- An illustrious alumni community that consistently gives back. Our alumni are always ready to share their expertise, whether through teaching, advising, or simply sharing invaluable lessons learned. Their continued engagement is a testament to the lasting impact of the IRT program.
- Strong educational partners spanning from higher education to K-12. These vital collaborations support our IRT Scholars as they navigate the complexities of the application process and the job market, ensuring their success beyond our program.
Program Highlights: Hope in Action
The spirit of hope and possibility isn’t just an idea at IRT; it’s woven into the fabric of our daily work and our program initiatives.
New Cohort Launch: A Powerful Start
We recently celebrated the launch of our new cohort, and they truly showed up and showed out for our first All Cohort Meeting! We had over 90 students actively participating in RingCentral Events. Their eagerness to connect with each other was palpable; they even self-organized a group chat before the event concluded!
A huge shout-out goes to Leislie Godo-Solo, IRT ’91, our Education Programs Specialist, for her exceptional communication and coordination efforts. The cohort consistently remarked on how well-prepared they felt for their start with IRT, thanks to her clear communication and thorough review of the syllabus. Since the launch, Leislie has continued to host weekly webinars as part of the Admissions and Orientation Program, keeping our scholars highly engaged as they begin exploring graduate school programs.
Summer Workshop: Cultivating Professional Intellectuals
We’ve assembled an incredible faculty team to join our Curriculum Coordinators in implementing this year’s Summer Workshop. We’ve incorporated valuable feedback from our newest alumni, our Statement of Purpose Advisors, and our Consortium partners. This input highlighted the importance of a diverse toolbox of writing strategies, critical analysis of canonical texts, and an exploration of professional careers both within and outside of academia and PK-12 settings.
To address these needs, we’ve developed a prescriptive curriculum that seamlessly bridges the IRT program syllabus. The central theme for this year’s Summer Workshop will be: ‘What does it mean to be a professional intellectual?’ The workshop will feature Writing Workshops, Critical Reading Seminars, Professionalism in K-12 and Higher Education Sessions, and engaging Chalk Talks with invited guests. Our Curriculum Coordinators and Summer Workshop Faculty will be virtually leading these sessions live, with some also available in a podcast style.
Recruitment Weekend: Connecting Scholars with Opportunities
IRT will once again host a virtual Recruitment Fair on RingCentral Events in July. This event provides a vital opportunity for our current scholars to connect with our Consortium partners and IRT alums. Scholars will participate in small group meetings to learn more about the graduate programs they are interested in pursuing. We’ll encourage them to share highlights of their research agendas, discuss their teaching philosophies, and ask questions. It’s a fantastic chance for them to make meaningful connections and explore future paths.
At IRT, we are intentional about creating a space where scholars, alums, and institutional partners can engage in honest and heartfelt dialogue about the current educational landscape and the interventions that continue to support democratizing education.
Scholars, we see you.
What does hope and possibility look like in your world these days? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Malama pono (take good care),
Catherine
Catherine Wong
IRT Associate Director and Manager of Programs
Institute for Recruitment of Teachers 