Each month, The Relay® Report brings you powerful stories, research, upcoming events, and updates from across our network. Subscribe to get it directly in your inbox:
A Note from Relay's President
It is with great excitement and gratitude that I welcome you to our first edition of The Relay Report. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, this monthly newsletter serves as a vital tool to highlight the incredible work being done across our Relay community and keep you informed about what lies ahead.
At Relay, we remain deeply committed to our mission: ensuring that all children are taught by outstanding educators. Our work is rooted in the belief that great educators have the power to transform the lives of students and their communities. From innovative programming and leadership development to new partnerships, we remain focused on providing the tools and support necessary to meet the dynamic needs of educators and leaders to create meaningful impact in their classrooms and beyond.
This newsletter will offer a glimpse into the inspiring work happening within our community—showcasing the contributions of our students, alumni, faculty, and partners. First, we take a closer look at P.S. 268 in Brooklyn, where a strategic focus on high-quality curriculum and leadership support helped turn a once-struggling school into a model of success. Meanwhile, a Texas Tech study affirms the impact of the Relay Alternative Certification Program, demonstrating how our approach to teacher preparation leads to better student achievement, higher retention rates, and stronger classroom outcomes. These stories underscore what’s possible when educators have the right support to grow and thrive.
We also take a moment to celebrate the incredible individuals driving this work forward. Be sure to check out both our Alumni Spotlight, highlighting the achievements of our graduates, and our Employee Spotlight, where we shine a light on the dedicated professionals at the core of our organization.
Each month, The Relay Report will bring you powerful stories, research, upcoming events, and updates from across our network. We hope it inspires and informs as we continue shaping the future of education—together.
We are incredibly excited about what’s to come. We are building a brighter future for education, and we are grateful to have you alongside us every step of the way.
Dr. Mayme Hostetter, President
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Relay's Alternative Certification Program Delivers Results
Texas schools struggle with a critical challenge—nearly half of new teachers are uncertified, impacting student learning. A Texas Tech study highlights Relay's Alternative Certification Program as a solution. Relay-trained teachers stay longer, boost student reading and math gains, and reduce suspensions. Relay isn't just preparing teachers— it's transforming classrooms for lasting impact.
“This has been one the greatest learning experiences of my teaching career. That is not hyperbole, I am not over stating that. This has been the first time I have gotten solid skills and content to grow my practice and engage my students intellectually. I have never felt more taken care of, heard and more at ease than at this program.”
Matt Bartells
Teacher
How P.S. 268 Became a Model for Curriculum Implementation
Featured Leader: Rick Romain
Principal, P.S. 268, New York City Public Schools
Once among the lowest-performing schools in NYC's Community District 18, Brooklyn's P.S. 268 made a dramatic turnaround. With strong leadership, a rigorous reading curriculum, and support from Relay GSE, the school became a top performer. Now, District 18 is scaling this success, partnering with Relay to transform classrooms across all its elementary and middle schools.
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Alumni Spotlight: Jasmine Barber
For Relay alumna Jasmine Barber, Lois Lowry's book The Giver sparked a lifetime love of reading - and a passion for teaching.
She says Relay gave her the skills for "real life teaching", and now, she's taking on more and more leadership roles. Her students have embraced her love of reading, often quoting her favorite reminder: "Get a book!"
Five Steps for Sustaining Your Passion as an Educator
Teaching, like climbing Mount Everest, is demanding yet deeply rewarding, says Relay professor Dr. MaryAnn DeRosa in Climbing to a Better View. She defines passion as the relentless pursuit of ambitious goals, even amid challenges. With only 4% of U.S. college grads entering teaching, Dr. DeRosa shares five key practices to help educators sustain their passion.
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