September 10, 2024 — NCTR is proud to announce the release of our 2022-2023 Black Educators Initiative (BEI) Annual Report, titled “Empowering Excellence.” This report showcases the success of 2022-2023 BEI grantees in recruiting, preparing, and supporting teachers from diverse backgrounds, while making a positive impact on their school communities.
In its fourth year, NCTR granted $3.8 million to 27 teacher residency programs. While national enrollment in teacher preparation programs remains mostly stagnant and the teaching workforce continues to be predominantly white, our grantees are making significant strides in increasing diversity among new educators.
Recognizing that financial support alone is not enough to drive lasting change, NCTR has developed a multifaceted approach to empower our grantees. Our strategy goes beyond financial assistance, partnering fiscal support with targeted programming and individualized consulting. This comprehensive support enhances BEI grantees’ ability to implement innovative strategies and build robust, effective teacher preparation programs.
The impact of our approach is clear: 95% of BEI grantees reported satisfaction with NCTR’s programming, and 92% agreed that Network membership improved their preparation of diverse teacher residents. Most notably, NCTR achieved the highest graduate retention rate for Black teacher residents among all racial groups, contrasting sharply with national trends of teacher attrition.
None of this would be possible without the generous support of Ballmer Group, and we remain deeply grateful for their ongoing commitment to BEI.
On behalf of NCTR, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our Network members for your commitment to the teacher residency model, your visionary approach, and your tireless efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain educators who reflect the diversity of our students. We deeply appreciate your contributions to the collective community, your continued engagement, and your steadfast focus on doing what’s best for students.
Warmly,
The BEI Team
Keilani Goggins, Managing Director of Programs, Black Educators Initiative
Tyiesha Hoskins, Director of Programs
Aja Simpson Zulfiqar, Director of Programs
Allyson Williams Eubanks, Director of Programs