.jpg)
IntroducingYourHometownBusiness
An Advertising feature of The News-Gazette
Program Seeks Teachers of Color
There’s a program in place in Rockbridge County to assist persons of color who would like to enter the K-12 education profession – even when that means changing careers.
The Irma Thompson Educators of Color Program aims to recruit and support individuals of color in Rockbridge County, Lexington, and Buena Vista who are interested in entering the teaching profession.
Virginia, and the Rockbridge area in particular, face a general shortage of teachers, and a keen shortage of educators who reflect the whole of the student population. Named for a revered Buena Vista educator, the Irma Thompson Program is tackling this challenge by creating pathways for professionals from diverse backgrounds to become teachers, and, at the same time, enhancing inclusion and representation at the local schools.
Participants can gain access to grants to cover teacher training costs. Personalized career guidance and ongoing support are provided throughout the process of transitioning to teaching as a profession.
The state Career Switcher Program is specifically designed for those considering a career change. It provides a flexible path to earn a provisional teaching license in less than a year, depending on prior experience and education. The Virginia Department of Education’s Career Switcher program has built a network of educators who can inspire and connect with students from under-served communities.
“We believe that investing in local talent and providing essential resources will benefit both future educators and the students they serve,” said Tinni Sen, co-chair of the Irma Thompson Program board of directors “This program is about creating lasting change and ensuring that all students see themselves reflected in their teachers.”
Following the Career Switcher Alternative route to teacher licensure, the Irma Thompson program allows individuals of color to pursue teaching certification while remaining employed. Classes are typically held in the evenings or on weekends, and may be virtual or in person, providing flexibility for those with existing jobs. The program supplements this with financial assistance and ongoing support, removing barriers to entry for many prospective educators of color.
Participants who receive funding are expected to commit to teaching in one of the area’s three local school districts – Rockbridge County, Lexington, or Buena Vista – directly benefiting the local divisions. These districts offer competitive salaries along with state benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans. Opportunities for further professional development are also available.
The Irma Thompson program is currently gauging interest for the Career Switcher initiative. An interest form is available on the program’s official website, IrmaThompsonProgram. com. Completing the form helps the program committee refine its approach to better meet the needs of prospective educators.
“We encourage anyone who identifies as a person of color and is considering a career in teaching to explore this opportunity,” Sen emphasized. “Now is the time to step forward and make a difference in our schools.”
Founded in 2022, under the auspices of the Rockbridge NAACP, the Irma Thompson Educators of Color Program is committed to the recruitment, retention and professional development of educators of color in the Rockbridge area. Thompson (1917-2019) was a trailblazing educator who grew up in and came of age during the era of segregation. She attended the Buena Vista Colored School, a two-room schoolhouse, and later taught there. Most of her career was spent teaching in the Buena Vista city schools following integration. The last dozen years of her career were spent directing Mary Baldwin University’s student teacher program.
The Irma Thompson Educators of Color honors its namesake’s legacy by ensuring that the region’s schools are inclusive and reflective of the communities they serve. For more information about the Career Switcher Program, send email to irmathompsonprogram@ gmail.com, or visit https://www.irmathompsonprogram. com.
