Diverse Teacher Workforce Coalition - Coalition Building Meeting

There is a growing movement across the state to develop programs and partnerships that address the urgent need to diversify the teacher workforce in Massachusetts, especially in urban school districts.

It turns out that urban paraprofessionals are the most diverse group of public educators in Massachusetts since most live in the urban communities where they work. They reflect the diversity of their communities. These paraprofessionals are being recognized more and more for their capability to become successful, committed teachers needed by diverse students in urban school districts.

On October 21 JET traveled to Holyoke to participate in discussion and partnership building with those in the Springfield, Holyoke, Amherst-Pelham region engaged in this work . The event was sponsored by the Diverse Teacher Workforce Coalition, part of the Five College Consortium based in Amherst. 

JET began partnering with the Springfield Public Schools just this year to help their paraprofessionals without bachelor’s degrees become teachers. Paradigm Shift, a partnership program of the Five College Consortium, helps area paraprofessionals who already have their bachelor’s degrees become teachers.

JET welcomes the opportunity to work with and learn from this Coalition.