Assistant Professor of Secondary and Higher Education Leslie Duhaylongsod and Associate Dean for the School of Education Nicole Harris meet with students on Salem State’s campus.
Eastern Bank Foundation Supports EducatorScholars of Color
Increasing Diversity in Early Childhood Careers
Although Simone French ’23 loved her teachers growing up, none of them looked like her. “My teachers ignited my love of learning but, unfortunately, I didn’t have any teachers of color until I began college,” says the Beverly, Mass., native. “Having a teacher of color would have enhanced my learning experience and offered a different cultural perspective.” Now, Simone wants to help transform the teaching landscape by becoming an educator. A new program funded with a $100,000 pilot-grant from Eastern Bank Foundation is setting her up for that success. Salem State’s new EducatorScholars of Color Program aims to increase racial and ethnic diversity in the teacher pipeline by inviting students of color majoring in early childhood and elementary education into peer groups. Three faculty advisers provide guidance and build community throughout participants’ college years.
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YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
According to Salem State’s School of Education Associate Dean Nicole Harris, the program’s monetary awards help reduce racial and socioeconomic barriers to higher education, including the costs associated with Massachusetts’ many requirements to become a teacher. “Individuals preparing to become educators face many out-of-pocket costs—including unpaid work as student-teachers and fees associated with the MTEL and other mandatory tests,” says Nicole. “The new program alleviates the financial burdens of these requirements and supports our students so that they are well-prepared to excel not only on their tests, but also within the classroom settings where they practice their teaching skills.” Dean Joseph Cambone adds that the School of Education has made it a priority to diversify its own faculty and staff members, preparing them to train our students in a culturally responsive way. “With Eastern Bank Foundation’s generosity, we’re
