Project Sankofa·Los Angeles, California
Participants will work as teacher assistants or paraprofessionals in partner schools, co-planning and delivering lessons with mentor teachers, and gradually assuming full teaching responsibilities including classroom management and assessments. They must also complete required coursework and attend professional development workshops to earn their credential or graduate degree.
Are you a current or soon-to-be college graduate looking to become a credentialed middle or high school classroom teacher? Are you committed to social justice and want to teach youth in ways that center their cultural frameworks and lived experiences? Are you passionate about supporting Black students in racially isolated communities?
If so, The Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) program is for you. This innovative graduate and credentialing pathway helps aspiring educators gain real classroom experience while completing their credential or master’s degree through one of our partnering universities or graduate institutions.
Over one to two years, participants gain hands-on experience as classroom assistants or paraprofessionals in partner schools. By the end of the program, they are prepared to become full-time teachers of record—leading classrooms with the knowledge, skills, and passion to create equitable learning environments for all students.
Who Should Apply? NBEW seeks college graduates committed to teaching and supporting Black students in racially isolated communities. You should have a passion for social justice, be eager to center students' lived experiences, and want to amplify Black voices and leadership in education.
What is Racial Isolation? Racial isolation is the experience of being the only or one of the few individuals of a certain race in a community, school, or workplace. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and alienation, as well as limited access to cultural support or representation in these spaces.
NBEW addresses this inequity by preparing and placing educators who reflect the students they serve, building schools where representation, belonging, and leadership thrive.
Are you ready to be part of a movement that builds sustainable Black leadership in education? Apply today and take the next step toward becoming a credentialed educator and social justice advocate!
Learn more about the Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) program at www.projectsankofa.org/nbew-for-teachers.
Participate in virtual classes to complete credentialing coursework and attend in-person residencies for immersive professional development and networking opportunities.
Hands-On
Experience: Gain practical teaching experience by working as a teacher assistant or paraprofessional in partnering schools.
Receive personalized guidance from experienced educators who understand the unique challenges of the teaching profession.
Professional
Development: Participate in culturally responsive training and leadership development opportunities.
Financial
Guidance: Access financial advisory services to support your career and financial planning.
Build connections with a nationwide community of Black educators and allies dedicated to educational equity.
Leadership
Opportunities: Gain access to long-term pathways for growth and impact in education.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (required). Passion for fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments. Willingness to embrace challenges, learn from feedback, and grow as an educator. Dedication to the NBEW mission of empowering Black educators to lead and inspire.
By participating in this program, candidates are not employed by Project Sankofa. Instead, employment or placement opportunities are provided through NBEW’s partnering organizations, schools, or districts. These partner sites serve as the official employers of NRTs while Project Sankofa provides the overall program design, coordination, and professional development support.
By opting into the NBEW program, you agree to fully participate in and uphold all program goals, expectations, and requirements, including:
Maintaining good academic and professional standing. Engaging fully in mentorship, coursework, and professional development sessions. Contributing positively to the NBEW community and its collective mission.
By the end of the program, NRTs are equipped to lead their own classrooms with the knowledge, skills, and passion to create transformative learning environments that reflect the brilliance and lived experiences of the students they serve.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate a strong passion for fostering equitable learning environments, specifically supporting Black students in racially isolated communities. A commitment to social justice and centering students' lived experiences is essential for success in this program.
Market context
In California, classroom teacher roles often stay competitive because licensed centers look for candidates who can show early childhood classroom leadership, lesson planning, and readiness to meet state compliance steps such as background checks and immunizations. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review the role faster and save research time. If you are considering applying, confirm your 12 ECE units and recent classroom experience before submitting.
