Program – Page 6 – Institute for Recruitment of Teachers

Associate Director & Manager of Programs Update, September 2023

Dear IRT Community,

I hope that your Fall has gotten off to a productive start! IRT had a busy Summer of advising, programming, and outreach.

With the launch of our new IRT Scholar cohort this past Summer, we were able to co-construct a curriculum that named the moment, built up scholar capacity, and took into account the shifting educational landscape as a result of the SCOTUS decisions. IRT has never been an organization to shy away from controversy and challenge but instead seeks out input and innovation. IRT Scholars know that they benefit from having diverse educators who are both mirrors and windows into who they are, what they stand for, and who they stand with. In turn, our scholars are eager to give back and provide support and solace for their communities across the PK-12 through the higher education pipeline.

IRT Alumni Panels

A critical aspect of the IRT’s Advising Model that has expanded and become a very effective way to relay real-life graduate school experiences is the IRT Alumni Panels.

Since July 2023, IRT staff has moderated 7 alumni panels and had participation from 20 alums who addressed topics of interest such as graduate fellowship funding, pursuing a different discipline than one’s undergraduate or Master’s degree, issues for family caretakers and non-traditional students, and hurdles for DACA, undocumented, and international students. These conversations have been authentic, and insightful, and provide IRT Scholars with pertinent information many cannot acquire anywhere else. In early winter, three additional Alumni Panels will be held to tackle topics such as non-traditional career pathways, the rewards and challenges of being a higher education and student affairs professional, and experiences and “real talk” from current graduate students.

IRT Cohort Finalizes Graduate School Plans

IRT Scholars have worked closely with their advisors reviewing admissions offers and fielding invitations for interview and campus visits in order to make the most informed matriculation decisions they can. Decisions have been made! We congratulate all of our current scholars for their work and energy throughout these past months. Congratulations and best wishes in your next step on your professional journey!

Being a part of the IRT program has been transformative not only for how prepared I am to pursue doctoral studies, but also fundamentally how I see myself.
Sophie D’Souza, IRT ’22

IRT Welcomes New Cohort

We are excited to announce that the 2023 IRT Cohort has been finalized and programming has begun! Working with a new group of scholars is always exciting and this year is no exception. We welcome those scholars who are new to IRT in 2023 and welcome back our seasoned scholars who are working with IRT again to further advance their academic opportunities.

I am writing to express my gratitude and excitement for being selected to participate in the 2023 IRT Cohort. I am honored to have been given this opportunity to receive support and guidance as I pursue advanced study and work towards addressing social justice issues in education and beyond.
Akweley Mazarae Lartey, IRT ’23

Make Your Impact at the IRT!

Since 1990, over 400 alumni have secured doctoral degrees, and over 1,000 have earned Master’s degrees, through the IRT. The program is able to advance this critical work and guide its talented scholars thanks to donor support—contributions from its alumni, partners, and friends. Please consider making a gift to the IRT this fiscal year, ending June 30, and impact the next generation of diverse educators. Your gift—of any size—truly makes a difference. To make a donation, please use the QR code below or visit this link. Thank you!