As Boston struggles to recruit, retain, and promote minority teachers, the school district has launched an effort to nurture female minority educators.
The city has partnered with the University of Massachusetts Boston to create the accredited Women Educators of Color Executive Coaching Program, which will provide mentors and peer support for midcareer educators while allowing them to research challenging issues in education and seek solutions.
The program has accepted 20 women with three years’ experience or more in the school district, mostly teachers but also some administrators from schools and the central office. The participants will receive support from six executive coaches — all retired Boston Public Schools educators — led by Jane Skelton.
“Part of this work is really helping them focus on change and how they can initiate change in their schools,” Skelton said.
61