Pathways to Teaching Project
Diversifying the teacher workforce through shared exploration of pathways, mentorship, and coaching – as well as advocacy for systems change – to support refugees and immigrants in the U.S. pursuing teaching careers
The Pathways to Teaching Project (PTP) seeks to increase diversity in the U.S. teacher workforce and address teacher shortages by supporting multi-talented adults with refugee/(im)migrant backgrounds in re/joining the teaching profession.
Do you want to learn more about how to support this project, or how to participate in a future cohort? Contact Julie Kasper, Director of Teacher Learning and Leadership: jkasper@ceinternational1892.org.
Project Goals
The project also seeks to improve systems by creating more inclusive pathways to education careers so that all prospective educators can pursue their career aspirations and all students experience equitable, joyful, and belonging in their education environments.
The inaugural Pathways to Teaching Project cohort formed in fall 2023 with a focus in the following regions/states: Arizona; Maryland; Virginia; Washington, DC; and Washington state. We aim to support additional cohorts nationwide in the years ahead.
Project Structure
Project Fellows – applicants who are chosen to be a part of the project – become members of an online community of practice that supports resource sharing, dialogue, and a combination of individual and collective growth alongside peers, mentors, and facilitators.
PTP Fellows:
- Explore teaching career pathways and certification/degree requirements in targeted states/regions across the U.S
- Learn (more) about U.S. school systems, education trends, and teaching methods
- Share their cross-cultural and transnational teaching and learning experiences with others
- Earn micro-credentials (digital badges or certificates showing their skills and competencies)
- Build a network of support to reach their goals
- Create their own personalized career plan
- Advocate for U.S. school systems to be more welcoming, inclusive, safe, culturally sustaining, joyful, and equitable for teachers, students, and families of diverse cultural and linguistic experience
Impact
Some perspectives from Project Fellows on the importance of the project include:
“This project has taught us to bond together, walk towards our common goals, be tolerant, overcome obstacles on the path to our objectives, collaborate, and arrange teaching materials that we can utilize.”
“I am most proud of the exposure to the important knowledge that the project has made available to me about the unique immigrant population in the U.S., including the new and best practice approaches to teaching in relation to how I learned when I was a student.”
“[One of the most important aspects has been] making friends, as I have lived a busy life in the U.S. so far. Now I feel I have a family who cares for me.”
Project Details
9 months long: The inaugural cohort started in October 2023 and will complete their project term in July 2024.
Online community of practice: Fellows, mentors, and facilitators join regular gatherings, workshops, and other events together online. A virtual moderated community space allows for asynchronous dialogue, resource sharing, and scheduling of events and tasks.
Local or regional events: In some cases, small groups may meet in person for test prep, interview practice, or a shared coffee and conversation.
Small fellowship financial awards or stipends: In recognition of the challenges many project participants experience, we offer a small stipend to support participation in the project and offset costs associated with becoming a teacher in the U.S., such as evaluation of foreign transcripts/degrees, teacher exams, technologies, and coursework.
Resources and coaching supports: Project Fellows gain access to an online community, free resources, and mentorship. Benefits include an online foundations of education course with a certificate of completion, a downloadable/printable handbook, templates for building a resumé and portfolio, mentors and coaches to answer questions and offer advice, opportunities to earn micro-credentials, a community of support, and increased cultural, linguistic, navigational, and professional capital.