The Pathway to Teaching Project: Building a More Diverse, Inclusive, and Resilient Educator Workforce

Childhood Education International (CE International), through its Center for Professional Learning, led the Pathways to Teaching Project (PTP) to support aspiring educators with refugee and (im)migrant backgrounds—addressing two critical challenges in U.S. education: the ongoing teacher shortage and the urgent need to cultivate a more diverse, inclusive, and representative educator workforce.

In 2023–2024, CE International’s Center for Professional Learning designed and facilitated a national community of practice that empowered 50 refugee and (im)migrant adult fellows who aspired to become educators in the U.S. Through this initiative, CE International championed teacher development as a pathway to equity, ensuring that talent, experience, and cultural knowledge are recognized and nurtured—regardless of origin.

Meeting a National Need Through Inclusion and Equity

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 86% of public schools report challenges hiring teachers—particularly in elementary and special education—and fewer than 1 in 10 teachers identifies as Black, Hispanic, or Asian American. The PTP leveraged the skills and lived experiences of aspiring educators from refugee and immigrant communities to strengthen their professional knowledge, skills, and networks.

The project created welcoming and inclusive pathways into the teaching profession—addressing workforce shortages while promoting representation and belonging in U.S. schools.

Program Design and Implementation

The inaugural PTP cohort launched in Fall 2023. Fellows—selected through a competitive application process—joined an online community of practice that provided professional learning opportunities, mentoring, and individualized career planning. CE International’s facilitation emphasized collaboration, cultural exchange, and professional empowerment, guiding each fellow to design a personalized pathway aligned with their life circumstances and professional goals.

Building Capacity Through Professional Learning

The program fostered individual and collective growth within a safe, restorative learning environment that promoted inclusion, equity, and belonging. Fellows:

• Explored teaching career pathways and certification/degree requirements in their regions;

• Learned about U.S. school systems, education trends, and pedagogical methods;

• Shared cross-cultural and transnational teaching and learning experiences;

• Earned micro-credentials recognizing their skills and competencies;

• Built professional networks of support;

• Created personalized career and advocacy plans; and

• Advocated for culturally sustaining and equitable school systems that celebrate diversity among teachers, students, and families.

Impact and Future Vision

Through the Pathways to Teaching Project, CE International demonstrated the power of professional learning and inclusive leadership to strengthen the teacher pipeline. The initiative highlights CE International’s capacity to foster diversity, equity, and excellence in education—helping build a future where every learner benefits from a globally informed, inclusive, and empowered educator workforce. Project Fellows reported that the project has helped them overcome obstacles, learn more about the U.S. education system, and connect with others who have similar goals. By the end of the project: