Meeting the Moment: Summer at IRT
At IRT, “meeting the moment” isn’t just a phrase; it’s a practice. It shows up in how we design programs, support scholars, and build community. This month, that spirit has been especially visible across our newest initiatives and shared experiences.
Welcoming a New Cohort: Energy, Connection, and Strong Beginnings
We recently launched our newest cohort and they came in with energy, curiosity, and a clear commitment to engaging fully from day one.
At our first All Cohort Meeting, scholars actively participated in RingCentral Events, contributing both on stage and in the chat. Their eagerness to connect with one another was immediately clear, setting a strong tone for the months ahead.
This successful launch is thanks in large part to the leadership of Leislie Godo-Solo, IRT ’91, Education Program Specialist, alongside Alba Lamar, IRT ’14, our new Arts and Sciences Program Specialist. Their thoughtful communication and detailed preparation ensured that scholars felt confident and ready to begin. From syllabus walkthroughs to onboarding touchpoints, the feedback has been consistent: scholars felt prepared.
Since launch, the team has kept the momentum going through weekly webinars, alumni panels, and cohort social hours, creating multiple pathways for connection, learning, and community-building.
Summer Workshop 2026: Building Skills, Voice, and Vision
The IRT Summer Workshop 2026 is a multi-week, immersive program designed to prepare scholars for the academic, professional, and personal realities of graduate school. Beginning with a Welcome Webinar on June 29, the workshop convenes faculty and scholars for a series of structured learning experiences that explore core questions such as what it means to pursue a PhD, conduct research, teach, and navigate the evolving landscape of higher education. Through the Critical Conversations Series, participants engage topics including mentorship, career pathways, financial considerations, and how to make informed decisions about graduate study.
In addition to discussion-based sessions, the workshop emphasizes hands-on skill building through Writing Workshops and Scholar Presentations. Scholars actively develop materials such as annotated bibliographies and literature reviews while receiving feedback in a supportive, conference-style environment. Recruiter’s Weekend further prepares participants to engage with institutions through research, networking, elevator pitches, and interview preparation. We’ve assembled an incredible faculty team consisting of IRT Alums with distinguished careers of their own to join our Curriculum Coordinators in implementing this year’s Summer Workshop, creating a collaborative space grounded in shared expertise and mentorship. Together, these experiences are designed to strengthen scholars’ academic voice, clarify their goals, and support their transition into graduate-level work.
Recruitment Weekend: Expanding Pathways and Possibilities
In July, IRT will host its annual virtual Graduate Recruitment Fair on RingCentral Events. This is an important opportunity for scholars to engage with Consortium partners and alumni.
Through small-group sessions, scholars will:
- Explore graduate programs aligned with their interests
- Share their research agendas and teaching philosophies
- Ask critical questions about academic pathways
More than just an information session, this event is about building meaningful connections and expanding scholars’ sense of what’s possible.
At IRT, we are intentional about creating spaces where scholars, alumni, and institutional partners can engage in honest, thoughtful dialogue about today’s educational landscape and the work still needed to make it more equitable and accessible.
A Moment for Reflection: Your Journey, Your Voice
As this work continues, we invite our community scholars, alumni, and supporters to reflect:
- How have you navigated or challenged the expectations of graduate education in your field?
- What knowledge or practices do you believe emerging scholars should carry forward?
- How can you contribute to a scholarly community rooted in critical inquiry and shared learning?
Scholars, we see you.
What does meeting the moment look like in your world right now? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Malama pono (take good care),
Catherine
Institute for Recruitment of Teachers 