San Francisco Educator Pathway CoalitionThe San Francisco Educator Pathway Coalition’s long-term goal is to create an environment in which homegrown educators can thrive – addressing the immediate need for teachers and contributing to a more diverse SFUSD teaching staff. Currently, San Francisco is losing potential future educators along the complex and unmapped road from high school graduation to a teaching credential. The collaboration will create a clear and well-marked path, easily navigated from the perspective of a young person, and particularly young people who may not have immediate access to the funds and support necessary to complete a four-year college degree followed by a teaching credential.
"Far too many young San Franciscans, particularly young people of color, are discouraged from a teaching career. They often don't see themselves in the position due to a lack of role models, or if they do, they face economic hurdles exacerbated by the time it takes to complete education credentials. By making the process itself more accessible, we can both diversify the teaching ranks of San Francisco Unified School District, as well as create an environment in which more teachers and students thrive." - Pui Ling Tam, Executive Director of Peer Resources Many young graduates of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), work in the robust non-profit sector, often facilitating learning and development for kids daily, in an after-school setting. While they are perfect candidates for a career in teaching, they are held back by a lack of appropriate credentials. Managing the high cost of living in our area and juggling jobs, studies, and debt can quickly overwhelm even the most ambitious young person as they transition to adulthood. Achieving a college degree – a necessary step before entering a teacher credentialing program — is possibly the biggest barrier. The San Francisco Educator Pathway Coalition believes they can begin to solve these complex issues by providing training, mentorship, and financial resources targeting SFUSD alumni who are motivated to work with young students. By addressing institutional barriers and providing greater support along the way, they intend to see more San Francisco youth accomplish their goal of becoming a teacher in SFUSD. The Hellman Collaborative Change Initiative LAUNCH grant enables the San Francisco Educator Pathway Coalition to develop and test a set of solutions to help youth workers and/or SFUSD alumni become teachers for our schools. |
The Problem
The CollaborationSince 2015, the San Francisco Educator Pathway Coalition has brought together partners who share values and beliefs about equity and opportunities for low-income youth of color. Partners include:
For more information, contact:
Pui Ling Tam Peer Resources [email protected] Michelle Capobres Aim High [email protected] |