The disparity among teachers of color in Rockbridge County can be traced back to the 1950s, when schools were first integrated. The picture has been the same for decades. But now the Irma Thompson Educators of Color Program is taking a proactive approach to diversifying the teacher workforce there.
Irma Thompson Program for Educators of Color
Tinni Sen is co-chair of the program’s board. She summarizes the program’s mission as follows: “The goal is to provide financial, professional and personal support to educators of color in this system.”
Sen stresses that now is the right time for anyone who has ever considered becoming a teacher: “We’re at a point where we want people to come to us just to get information and express their interest.”
Stephanie Wilkinson, who also sits on the board, talks about her “Career Switcher” initiative:
“If you have been out of college for a certain number of years and are in a profession and want to try something different – either you don’t like your job or you have always had a calling to be a teacher but didn’t pursue it initially – you can take this accelerated program to gain the qualification to become a teacher.”
Those interested in the program are asked to fill out a non-binding interest form online before a meeting scheduled for the end of the month.
Click here to be directed to the Irma Thompson Educators of Color program website.
