Relay Doubles Educators Network In 2016
This summer, Relay Graduate School of Education is welcoming its largest class of educators. In total, the institution now serves about 2,000 current and aspiring teachers and 400 principals and principal supervisors, up from about 1,700 students in the 2015-16 school year. This year’s class nearly doubles Relay’s network of educators, which includes more than 2,500 alumni.
Relay enrolled its first cohort of about 220 graduate students in New York in 2011. Now entering its sixth year as an independent institution, Relay supports current and aspiring teachers at 12 campuses across 10 states. This year’s growth is bolstered by the opening of four new campuses focused on teacher training which will serve Nashville, Tennessee; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Denver, Colorado; and four cities throughout Connecticut (pending approval). Through its leadership programs, Relay has worked with principals and principal supervisors from 24 states and the District of Columbia since 2013. In each community where Relay serves teachers and principals, strong partnerships with public districts, school networks, and local leaders help ensure that educators in Relay programs are positioned for success.
“Giving teachers and school leaders the training and support they need to succeed is critical for New York City schools, and we’re pleased to work with partners like Relay to do this important work,” said Erika Abelon, director of early career success in the NYC Department of Education Office of Teacher Recruitment and Quality.
The Relay teacher preparation model is noted for preparing diverse candidates, including recent college graduates, experienced professionals, and local aspiring educators, to work effectively in low-income communities.
“Helping our students beat the odds takes exceptional leadership. Recruiting the best teachers who can partner in our work is an incredible challenge that we face each year,” said Sehba Ali, KIPP Houston Public Schools superintendent. “By collaborating with Relay, we are creating a unique opportunity to work with a talented but also diverse pipeline of educators who can help our students build the skills needed to be successful in life.”