Associate Director & Manager of Programs Letter – Institute for Recruitment of Teachers

Associate Director & Manager of Programs Update, January 2026

Reflections on Growth and Transformation

As our IRT Cohort wrapped up their graduate school applications, we came together for our third IRTA meeting to celebrate how far each scholar has come. I designed a four-quadrant reflection activity that asked them to explore the wisdom they’d reclaimed, the resistance they’d pushed through, the relationships they’d built, and the uncertainties they’d learned to navigate. What unfolded was a powerful portrait of collective growth, individual transformation, and mentorship as a practice of reciprocity.

Discovering Worth: From Doubt to Recognition

One of the most striking revelations across the cohort was the journey from self-doubt to self-recognition. Many scholars entered the process underestimating the value of their own experiences, whether due to imposter syndrome, unfamiliar academic contexts, or comparison with traditional paths.

“I thought it would be seen as a ‘burden’ or reason that schools may not see me as a good candidate,” shared one parent scholar in our cohort, speaking about balancing family responsibilities with academic aspirations. Through the statement of purpose advisor (SOPA) process, they learned to reframe this not as a liability but as evidence of resilience and commitment.

Another scholar, who had spent years in community-based work rather than traditional research settings, initially worried about their unconventional background: “I thought that me working at the Y wasn’t as valuable as being published, having a research background, or interning at a fancy firm.” Their SOPA helped them recognize that direct community engagement offered irreplaceable insights for their research.

Associate Director & Manager of Programs Update, October 2025

Celebrating Our Summer Workshop

As autumn leaves begin to fall and a new season unfolds, we pause to celebrate the incredible community that came together to create our Summer Workshop (SW). This year’s curriculum asked a bold question: What does it mean to be a professional intellectual? And together, our IRT community rose to answer it.

A Standing Ovation for Our Co-Curriculum Coordinators

Our deepest gratitude goes to our Summer Workshop Co-Curriculum Coordinators—Heather Moore Roberson, Ryan Sermon, and Renée Wilmot, whose visionary leadership shaped a Summer Workshop experience unlike any other. Drawing inspiration from IRT’s legacy while remaining responsive to this moment, they crafted a prescriptive curriculum that challenged scholars to grow in transformative ways—bringing back beloved traditions like the IRT ‘binders’ readings and scholar-led facilitation.

Associate Director & Manager of Programs Update, June 2025

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?

Associate Director & Manager of Programs Update, April 2025

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.

Associate Director & Manager of Programs Update, February 2025

Aloha/Greetings IRT Community!

With the new year upon us, we may focus on how best to actualize our resolutions. But for a moment, I invite you to pause, take a deep breath, and instead ground yourself in how you feel now. Arts and Sciences Programs Specialist Brittany Zorn, IRT ’13, wisely asked this question at our first gathering of scholars a few weeks back. We know that many feelings swirl as we wonder, watch, and wait for the impact of the changes happening across PK-12 and higher education.

No matter what happens, IRT remains committed to recruiting and retaining educators who reflect the communities where our students and families live and work. These educators should be well-versed in their content knowledge/subject area, possess the necessary skill set to develop inclusive curriculum, and utilize instructional strategies that engage all students.