FOR ASPIRING EDUCATORS

BECOME A NEW REsident teacher


PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) program builds a pipeline of culturally responsive educators in California—combining real classroom experience, graduate study, and mentorship to create lasting change in education.


If you are interested in joining our next cohort for Summer 2026, please complete the form below.

NEW RESIDENT TEACHER INTEREST FORM
OVERVIEW


graduate & credentialing pathway

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?


We seek aspiring equity-centered educators committed to social justice, culturally responsive teaching, and supporting Black students. 


Whether you're a recent college graduate or career changer, this program provides the foundation to become a transformational educator.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS


1. Flexible Path to a California Teaching Credential: Earn your California teaching credential and/or graduate degree in one to two years, depending on your partnering university. Our flexible teacher preparation program lets you gain real-world experience in schools that share your values and commitment to educational equity.


2. Hands-On Classroom Experience: Work as a teacher assistant or paraprofessional while you train. Co-teach with experienced mentor teachers, build classroom management skills, and progressively lead instruction—preparing you to become a confident, credentialed teacher of record.


3. Culturally Responsive Teacher Training: Participate in ongoing professional development focused on culturally responsive teaching, restorative justice practices, and meaningful family engagement. Learn strategies that center Black student success and build inclusive classroom communities.


4. Financial Aid & Career Development Support: IAccess financial coaching, scholarship guidance, and career planning resources designed to help you navigate the credentialing process with confidence. Receive one-on-one mentorship that supports your personal growth and long-term teaching career.


5. Advocacy and Leadership: Join a network of change-makers committed to transforming education across California. Develop leadership skills, advocate for equity in schools, and contribute to a growing movement that uplifts and sustains our alumni network.


WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE?


1. Hybrid Model: Participate in virtual classes to complete credentialing coursework and attend in-person residencies for immersive professional development and networking opportunities.


2. Hands-On Experience: Gain practical teaching experience by working as a teacher assistant or paraprofessional in partnering schools.


3. Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance from experienced educators who understand the unique challenges of the teaching profession.


5.Professional Development: Participate in culturally responsive training and leadership development opportunities.


6. Financial Guidance: Access financial advisory services to support your career and financial planning.


7. Networking: Build connections with a nationwide community of Black educators and allies dedicated to educational equity.


Leadership Opportunities: Gain access to long-term pathways for growth and impact in education.


WHAT IS RACIAL ISOLATION?


Racial isolation is the experience of being the only or one of the few individuals of a certain race in a community, school, or workplace. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and alienation, as well as limited access to cultural support or representation in these spaces.


NBEW addresses this inequity by preparing and placing educators who reflect the students they serve, building schools where representation, belonging, and leadership thrive.


application requirements

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or authorized to work
  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 in the last 60 units


Documentation

  • An updated resume highlighting your education and relevant experience
  • Unofficial college transcripts (official transcripts required upon enrollment)
  • Personal statement: your story, purpose, and vision for education
  • One letter of recommendation



Have questions?
We’d love to hear from you! Reach out at nbew@projectsankofa.org or click the button below to send us a message directly.


NEW RESIDENT TEACHER INTEREST FORM


Nondiscrimination Policy: Project Sankofa does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to creating inclusive spaces where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Meet our new resident teachers



MEET THE COHORT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • 1. What is the Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW)?

    The Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) is a one- to two-year teacher credentialing and graduate studies program designed for college graduates who aspire to become certified middle or high school educators. Rooted in social justice and culturally responsive teaching, the program provides guaranteed school placement, hands-on classroom experience, graduate-level coursework, mentorship, financial literacy, and mental-health support.


    Depending on the partnering university or graduate institution, participants may earn a Master’s in Education and/or a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential upon successful completion of the program.


  • 2. Who should apply to the NBEW program?

    The program is for aspiring educators who have obtained a bachelor’s degree, are committed to social justice, and are passionate about teaching Black students in racially isolated communities. Applicants should be eager to center students' cultural frameworks and lived experiences while supporting educational equity.


    For those already working as a non-credentialed classroom teacher, teacher assistant, paraprofessional, or other support role, the NBEW program can still be a great fit. If your school district is a partner with us, we would want you to remain in your current position while participating in the program. If your district is not a partner, we would be happy to speak with your administration or leadership to explore potential options for partnership and how we can support your continued growth.


  • 3. What are the key components of the program?

    The NBEW program includes:


    • Guaranteed employment at a partner school site, as a teacher assistant or paraprofessional 
    • Coursework and fieldwork through a partnering university or graduate institution 
    • Student teaching, including observing seasoned educators, co-teaching with mentor teachers, and leading classrooms—gradually taking on more teaching responsibilities 
    • Professional development on culturally responsive teaching, restorative justice practices, effective family engagement, etc. 
    • Mentorship and leadership pathways in education 
    • Access to mental-health and wellness resources  
    • Financial literacy coaching and support

  • 4. How is the coursework structured?

    The program uses a hybrid model that includes both virtual coursework and in-person residencies for immersive professional development. This structure allows for flexibility while providing essential face-to-face interaction and networking opportunities.

  • 5. What is the cost of the program, and is financial aid available?

    Tuition and program costs depend on the partnering university or graduate institution. However, we understand the importance of making this opportunity accessible, and financial aid options are available, including scholarships and other support. 


    As this is a new program, we are actively working on securing additional funds through grants and fundraising efforts to further expand financial support. Our goal is to significantly contribute to reducing the financial burden for participants. Additionally, the program will include a stipend, which will be discussed in more detail in the near future.

  • 6. Where will I be placed for my student teaching experience? Is relocation assistance available if needed?

    Your student teaching placement will be in one of our partner California schools that serves Black students in racially isolated communities. As this is a California-based program, we are currently encouraging applications from California residents only, and participants should be based in California for the duration of the program. Limited relocation assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. 


    Please email nbew@projectsankofa.org  for more details.

  • 7. What if I only want the teaching credential or just the Master’s in Education?

    Program options vary based on the partnering institution. Most NBEW pathways integrate both the credential and the Master’s in Education experience; however, some universities may offer a credential-only route. Applicants should review the program details for their specific cohort or contact the NBEW team for guidance. We will continue to share future program updates as we evolve.

  • 8. What happens after I complete the program?

    NBEW collaborates with our partner schools and districts to guarantee that all graduates receive at least one teaching position offer. We also provide ongoing support as you transition into your career as an educator. In addition to our standard program, we offer an optional three years of induction support as you work toward gaining your Teaching Credential. 


    While we encourage you to stay within the learning environment where you were placed for student teaching, as you will have built strong relationships and begun to make a meaningful difference, you may request our support for a different placement if needed. Regardless, you will join a network of NBEW alumni who share a commitment to educational equity and social justice, offering opportunities for continued mentorship, professional development, and collaboration.

  • 9. How can I learn more or apply?

    For more information and to apply, visit www.projectsankofa.org/nbew-new-resident-teacher-program  or email nbew@projectsankofa.org.