2020 Annual Conference

Teacher Diversity

Presentation/concurrent session

Coaching/Mentoring

The purpose of this presentation is to share our alternate route program’ experience creating and implementing a diversity initiative called Diverse Teachers for Diverse Schools (DTDS). DTDS is an initiative created to support the recruitment of a diverse teaching force and the establishment of a teacher mentoring and induction program to influence their retention. DTDS was created in collaboration with K-12 partner schools—specifically a consortium of charter schools--and with support from the NJ Department of Education. 

This session will provide an introduction to our DTDS initiative and our experience during this pilot year. We will share our challenges and success in recruiting teachers of color, establishing a mentoring program, partnering with K-12 schools, and supporting teachers hired by partner schools. We will also share our research findings today, including our findings for our partner school administrators, new teachers, and teacher mentors. As we conclude the first year of the initiative, we believe other programs can learn from our experience.

As a result of attending this session, participants will:

• Learn about our process and experience with this program
• Increase their knowledge of ways to recruit and retain teachers of color
• Gain awareness of challenges and opportunities for success when collaborating with K-12 partners and government stakeholders

IHE-based Program Administrators
Non-IHE-based Program Administrators
State Agency Administrators
Site Supervisors/Evaluators/Specialists
Alternative Leadership Preparation Programs
Human Resources Administrators
Interns/New Teachers/Residents
Other