FOR SCHOOLS & DISTRICTS

Partner with Project Sankofa


Cultivate the Next Generation of Black Educators & Empower Your Students 



INTEREST FORM

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE...


  • Black students see themselves reflected in their teachers: Where classrooms are led by passionate, culturally competent educators who understand their unique experiences.

  • Every student thrives with a rich, inclusive curriculum: Where ethnic studies and social justice are woven into daily learning, sparking critical thinking and empowering young minds.

  • A pipeline of future Black educators is built from within your district: Where high school students are inspired to pursue teaching careers, strengthening your faculty for years to come.


That's the vision of Project Sankofa's Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW).

NEXT BLACK EDUCATOR WORKFORCE

THE NBEW EXPERIENCE


Imagine a staffing solution that not only fills your paraprofessional and teacher assistant vacancies but also builds your future teaching staff with highly qualified Black educators.


The Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) does just that. We partner with the University of the Pacific to provide a rigorous master's/credentialing program, ensuring our New Resident Teachers (NRTs) are equipped with the latest culturally relevant pedagogy.


HOW IT WORKS

Empowering Schools with Future Black Teachers


We connect your school or district with aspiring Black educators pursuing a single subject credential in all disciplines. 


These New Resident Teachers (NRTs) work in your classrooms as paraprofessionals or teacher assistants while completing their graduate program. Notably, NRTs pursuing English or History credentials will gain specialized training in developing and teaching Ethnic Studies curriculum.

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we offer more than a program that addresses the teacher pipeline deficit


When you bring an NRT on board, we provide:

  • Dedicated Mentor Teacher Support: Your school identifies a mentor teacher, and we provide both stipend and comprehensive training to ensure effective guidance.
  • Student Support Services:   Access our award-winning African American Scholars Project (AASP), which can be facilitated by your NRT, providing valuable enrichment to your students.
  • Professional Development:   Through Project Sankofa, we offer additional professional development opportunities to further enhance your staff's skills around culturally competent teaching practices.
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THE CHALLENGE

  • Currently, only 6% of U.S. public school teachers are Black (2020-21 data).


This disparity impacts Black students' academic and social-emotional development.

OUR SOLUTION

  • Recruit and retain aspiring Black educators: Providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.
  • Empower Black high school students: Through engaging ethnic studies courses and pathways to higher education or postsecondary success and career.
  • Address systemic inequities: Tackling the root causes of educational disparities in underserved communities.

IS THIS YOUR SCHOOL OR DISTRICT?


  • Face Teacher Shortages: You're actively seeking qualified educators to fill vacancies, in any single subject discipline.
  • Prioritize Diversity: You recognize the importance of a diverse teaching staff and are committed to increasing the representation of Black educators in your classrooms.
  • Value Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: You understand the impact of culturally responsive teaching practices on student engagement and success.
  • Embrace Student Support: You're interested in providing students with access to enriching programs like the African American Scholars Project (AASP).
  • Seek Long-Term Solutions: You're looking for a sustainable solution to build your future teaching staff, not just fill immediate needs.
  • Support Mentor Development: You're willing to identify and support experienced educators to serve as mentors for aspiring teachers.

Ready to Build a More Diverse and Impactful Teaching Force? 

Complete our NBEW interest form today. Let’s start the conversation and explore how we can bring aspiring Black educators into your classrooms and community.

NEXT BLACK EDUCATOR WORKFORCE (NBEW) FOR SCHOOLS & DISTRICTS


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • 1. What is the Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW)?

    NBEW is a program that combines a staffing solution with a graduate-level teacher credentialing program. We connect schools and districts with aspiring Black educators who work as paraprofessionals or teacher assistants while earning their master's degree and single-subject teaching credential through the University of the Pacific.

  • 2. How does NBEW address the shortage of Black educators?

    We provide a mission-driven recruitment model that specifically targets and supports aspiring Black educators. Our program provides a structured pathway to becoming a highly qualified teacher, addressing the barriers that often prevent individuals from pursuing teaching careers.

  • 3. What subjects do NBEW educators specialize in?

    NBEW educators can pursue a single subject credential in any subject, making it easy for schools and school districts to fill and plan for future vacancies. New Resident Teachers (NRTs) who pursue a credential in English or History will receive specialized training in developing and teaching Ethnic Studies curriculum.

  • 4. What is the role of the mentor teacher?

    The mentor teacher provides guidance, support, and feedback to the New Resident Teacher (NRT) throughout the program. They act as a resource and role model, helping the NRT develop their teaching skills.

  • 5. How does NBEW support mentor teachers?

    We provide both a stipend and comprehensive professional development to mentor teachers, ensuring they are equipped to effectively guide their New Resident Teacher (NFT).

  • 6. What is the African American Scholars Project (AASP)?

    AASP is an award-winning student support program offered through Project Sankofa as well. It provides enrichment and academic support to students, and can be facilitated by the NRTs working in your school.

  • 7. Who is Project Sankofa?

    Project Sankofa offers professional development opportunities to schools and districts that partner with NBEW. This allows your existing staff access to additional training.

  • 8. What are the benefits of partnering with NBEW?

    Partnering with NBEW provides:

    • A reliable source of qualified Black educators.
    • A cost-effective way to fill paraprofessional and teacher assistant vacancies.
    • Access to highly trained educators with expertise in culturally relevant pedagogy.
    • Dedicated mentor teacher support.
    • Student support services through AASP.
    • Professional development opportunities through Project Sankofa.
    • A direct impact on increasing diversity within your school.

  • 9. How does the partnership with the University of the Pacific work?

    The University of the Pacific provides the graduate-level coursework and credentialing program for the New Resident Teachers (NRTs). NBEW facilitates the partnership and ensures that the program aligns with the needs of our partner schools.

  • 10. What is the time commitment for the New Resident Teachers (NRTs)?

    NRTs commit to a two-year residency program, working full-time in your school as paraprofessionals or teacher assistants while completing their graduate studies.

  • 11. What is NBEW's approach to teacher retention?

    NBEW is committed to addressing the challenges of teacher retention, particularly within racially isolated communities. 


    Our program is designed to create a sustainable pipeline of educators who are invested in their schools and students.