Stay connected to the IRT community and help keep our records current by completing the alumni survey informing us about any updates to your name, contact, degree or employment information. This will help insure that you receive any relevant communications from the IRT.
This survey should only take about five minutes to complete – thank you for your time!
Alumni Accolades, June 2021
Daniel Peña, IRT ‘09 moderated a special virtual Fulbright event, Roger Rosenblatt: The Writing Life, on May 14th. The event highlighted the literary career of Roger Rosenblatt, writer, author, professor, Emmy Award winner, Peabody Award winner, and 1965 Fulbright U.S. Student to Ireland.
Peña is a Pushcart Prize-winning writer, Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the University of Houston- Downtown and author of Bang: A Novel. He received an MFA from Cornell University. More information on Peña is available on his website.
Guest Speaker Opportunity for IRT Alumni
The IRT is planning to host a series of webinars/podcasts in the near future. We are looking for IRT alumni who will be willing to engage in discussions on a variety of topics. These topics can focus on your particular area of research and expertise, published works, social justice and/or educational issues, etc.
If you are an IRT alum interested in being a guest for one of our upcoming series, please fill out the form and we will be in touch. Thank you for your interest – the IRT staff.
Executive Letter, April 2021
As we shift into spring, a profound period of transformation, I cannot help but think how far we have come; and how much farther we have left to go. Throughout this unbelievable year, we have done our part to persevere. We have listened to the stories behind our students and the ways they are transforming and inspiring change through an entire cohort.
This spring, our staff and students stretched in abilities that they never had to in years past. Our staff utilized virtual platforms to host more online events than ever before, supported students throughout the application process, and aided the navigation of matriculation and future planning. Our students embraced the mindset and courage to keep going taking on the challenges of applying to graduate school during a pandemic. We are proud of all of our scholars that weathered an unprecedented graduate admissions year.
As we look ahead, we get ready for another graduate admissions season. Currently, we are evaluating candidates for our 2021 cohort. It is encouraging to see so many individuals interested in continuing to work in education. Especially after the year we have endured.
To that end, it was significant for us to express joy and care to our scholars. This year, we will mail out certificates of completion to our 2020 class and care packages to our 2019 class. To all alumni in our program, please be sure to reach back and let us know how you are doing. We take pride in seeing the change you impart in society and the transformation you achieve each day.
LaShawnda
Online Recruitment Increases Access
Travel has undoubtedly changed for everyone this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time in 30 years, IRT recruited 100% online this past season through zoom information sessions, monthly webinars, and consistent emails to schools, community partners, college access programs, and prospective candidates. Last year, IRT recruited on campus at 32 institutions and this year conducted 64 online webinars. While Recruitment and Admission Programs Specialist, Monica Reum, says meeting students face to face during her on-campus visits is one of the best parts of her job, she also reflected and shared “In a time where things felt like they were on fire left and right in the world, I find peace with IRT in knowing that we doubled our recruitment efforts and reached students in ways we normally would not have.”
Our engagement with our new programs and institutions highlights our commitment to social justice. This year, we witnessed our inequities exposed by the pandemic and pursuit of racial justice. We seek to expand access to the IRT and increase equity. As such, we are excited to build relationships with women’s colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and other programs that share our commitment. We are eager to admit this year’s 2021 cohort!
Newly recruited institutions and programs include but are not limited to:
- Agnes Scott College
- California State University, Long Beach
- Clark University
- Nevada State University
- Occidental College
- University of Alabama
- University of Puerto Rico
- University of Mississippi
- University of Kansas
- Black Latino Male Initiative
- Cohort Sistas
- LEDA Scholars
- QuestBridge Scholars
- Recreation Worcester
- Schular Scholars
- Squash Education Alliance
Institute for Recruitment of Teachers 
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