LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Black students who have had one Black teacher by third grade were 13% more likely to enroll in college. That's why Jefferson County Public School is partnering with Bellarmine University help bring more teachers of color to the head of the class.
The students must be enrolled in JCPS' Louisville Teacher Residency program, which is recruiting and training more teachers, specifically more teachers of color. Students must also have a bachelor’s degree for entry into the program, but it does not have to be in education.
Robyn Miller now teaches literature at Waggener High School after leaving a position in customer service a year ago. She earned her master's in teaching in just one year through the JCPS Louisville Teacher Residency Program. The accelerated program allowed her to bring a unique approach to her students sooner than she could have without the accelerated program.
"So if I can make it fun and relate it to them and their community and what they do, I often will quote Instagram and do Instagram dances with them," Miller said.
For the past several years JCPS officials have been working to cut the achievement gap between white and Black students. That includes hiring a more diverse teaching staff.
Schools like the University of Louisville and Simmons College have helped by creating a pipeline of Black teachers to the classroom. Now Bellarmine is a part of that effort.
"We also know that students need teachers that look like them, and that this residency program expands opportunities and increases the diversity of the teacher pipeline," said Elizabeth Dinkins, dean of the School of Education at Bellarmine University.
John Marshall, the chief equity officer for JCPS, said the program "seeks to certify teachers in an accelerated, innovative way."
JCPS already hires a lot of teachers from Bellarmine, so the partnership made perfect sense. Now more can earn a master's degree and bring more color and culture to classrooms.
"I hope that we have grown to accept the fact that representation matters within our students," said Sylena Fishback, the director of the JCPS teacher residency program.
Participants in the program receive a reduced tuition rate of $550 per credit hour for the 30-hour credit course. They will also receive a $33,000 stipend.
Once participants complete the residency program and obtain teacher certification, they will be required to teach in a JCPS Accelerated Improvement School or a school approved by the district.
The program has room for 50 students and kicks off this summer. CLICK HERE if you'd like to apply or need more information.
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