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 Recruitment On the Road

After a 3-year hiatus, IRT is finally resuming IN-PERSON recruitment events this Fall!

Juliana (Juju) Wong, IRT ‘15, our current Interim Recruitment and Alumni Programs Specialist, is leading a robust recruitment schedule that includes travel to colleges and universities all around the country to host information sessions, attend undergraduate research conferences, and represent at graduate school fairs!

Alumni Accolades, September 2023

Gloria Barajas Rojas, IRT ’19 is currently a King, Chavez, Parks Future Faculty Fellow Instructor & Clinician at Central Michigan University. Congratulations Gloria!

Melvin Earle Villaver, IRT ‘18 is an Assistant Professor of Music and Global Black Studies in the Department of Performing Arts at Clemson University. Melvin earned a Ph.D. in American Studies at Purdue University this year. Congratulations and good luck at Clemson!

Alyssa Strykers, IRT’ 14 began their first year as Assistant Principal at Inwood Academy for Leadership Charter School in New York. Congratulations and best wishes for a great school year!

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 Alumni Committee Seeking Two New Members!

The IRT Alumni Committee is a group of highly motivated, dynamic, and collaborative IRT Alumni who are currently in various fields and positions. One goal of this committee is to present a more holistic and complex image of who alumni are and ways the IRT Advisory Board and community can support us.

Two committee spots are open – applications due 7/31!

APPLY NOW!