Program – Page 3 – Institute for Recruitment of Teachers

Support the IRT!

Hello IRT alums,

I’m Rachel Sacks from Phillips Academy, and I lead fundraising for the IRT. As alumni, you know the incredible impact this program has on scholars and the broader educational community. Importantly, the IRT depends on the generosity of friends and alumni like you – your gifts directly sustain the program and ensure it can continue shaping the next generation of educational leaders.

This year, our goal is 26% alumni participation – and every gift matters! Whether big or small, your support sustains the IRT’s mission, strengthens our alumni community, and fuels new opportunities for growth and impact.

Make your gift online today via this link or reach out to me directly at rsacks@andover.edu – I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you for helping the IRT continue to thrive!

With gratitude,

Rachel Sacks
Associate Director for Advancement Initiatives

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?

Alumni Reunite for Summer Workshop Experience

The IRT is thrilled to have Heather Moore Roberson, IRT ’07, ’10 Ryan Sermon, IRT ’10, and Renée Wilmot, IRT ’12, ’17 return as Summer Workshop Co-Curriculum Coordinators. They took a few moments to share what brings them back and their expectations for this year’s workshop.

Heather Moore Roberson is the Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Allegheny College. Heather received her M.A. and Ph.D. from the American Studies program at Purdue University.

What motivates you to return as a Co-Curriculum Coordinator?

I have had the honor and privilege to serve as a member of the faculty since 2016. After I received my Ph.D., it was vital for me to get reconnected with the next generation of teacher scholars who will transform higher education. I would not be a faculty member/administrator if it wasn’t for the IRT Summer Workshop. IRT continues to be an integral part of my village. As a curriculum coordinator, I get to share my experiences and insights that will help scholars thrive in K-16 environments.

PA Giving Day!

Mark your calendars! PA Giving Day begins on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

PA Giving Day represents a critical milestone in our fundraising efforts for IRT. This past year we raised over 30% of IRT’s annual support from 44 donors in just one day. This year our goal is to exceed last year’s success by engaging even more PA and IRT alumni and friends of IRT in this collective day of giving.

For those inspired to give early, please visit the PA Giving Day page here. Please be sure to select “Institute for Recruitment of Teachers” under the “designation” section. Any gift, of any size, made in advance of March 26 will count toward PA Giving Day totals.

Stay tuned for more details on our matches and challenges for IRT. Let’s rally to make this event a success!

IRT Application is Open for Incoming Cohort

The IRT application for consideration for the 2025 Cohort is open! Details on eligibility, requirements, and other pertinent information can be found on the IRT website. The application will close on March 1, 2025.

Please email irt@andover.edu with any questions.

Webinar SerieS: Demystifying IRT’s Admissions Process

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to view four webinars available on IRT’s YouTube page. These webinars detail our admissions process.

Conducted by IRT staff, they provide insight into how we evaluate candidates and what constitutes a strong applicant. The first webinar overviews the general IRT admissions process and introduces the various components of IRT’s application. The subsequent webinars take a closer look at the three major application components: essays, recommendations, and academic background.