Rutgers GSE CMSI

Becoming an Educator: A Conversation with the IRT

    Date & Time: January 16, 2024, 1:00 PM ET - 2:30 PM ET

    This interactive panel, featuring Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) staff and alumni, provided aspiring graduate students with the knowledge of how to authentically envision a career in education that is courageous, culturally responsive and ultimately changemaking. Panelists shared an overview of IRT’s vision and program structure that supports diverse and first generation students in their pursuit of educational careers through higher education. IRT alums shared their experiences with IRT, along with their research and instructional practices which challenge traditional ways of knowing.

    Moderated by Catherine Wong, Associate Director & Manager of Programs, Institute for Recruitment of Teachers

    Panelists included:

    • Mayra Canizales Cruz, (she/hers/ella), Founding Partner, The Canizales Group 
    • Endia Hayes (she/her/hers), Ph.D. candidate, Department of Sociology, Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences
    • Marcus Penny (he/him/his), District Wide B.E.E.S. STEM Instructional Coach (Building Excellent Educators of Science)
    • Sol Rheem, (she/her/hers), Ph.D. Candidate, Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education  College of Education, Michigan State University 

    ​Download the flyer | Watch the Recording

    About the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT)

    The Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) addresses the lack of diversity in the nation’s teaching faculties by recruiting outstanding students of color and other scholars committed to diversity, counseling them through the graduate school application process, and advocating for sufficient funding for advanced study. IRT graduates have enjoyed remarkable success securing jobs as K-12 teachers, counselors, and principals, as well as professors, university administrators, and leaders.