From Community to Classroom: The Impact of Teach Western Mass

A Unique Pathway to Teaching by the Breakthrough Collaborative

The episode features a conversation with Vince Marigna, CEO of the Breakthrough Collaborative, and Zaniya, one of the program's graduates, discussing how giving college students a robust summer teaching experience that includes professional development and mentoring can lead to a diverse teaching workforce.   Vince Marigna is CEO of Breakthrough Collaborative, a national network of 25 affiliates dedicated to expanding pathways to college and careers in education. Breakthrough prepares students to succeed in college and cultivates the next generation of educators, building a future where every young person has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.   Zaniya Harrison is a 2025 graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She’s an alumna of KIPP New Jersey, Breakthrough New York, Teach For America Ignite Fellowship, and the All Stars Project New Jersey. Currently, she’s a member of Teach For America’s 2025 Corps. She’s also a sixth-grade science teacher in the Newark Charter School District.

Forging a Path: How JET is Transforming Lives

Listen to Co-Director Romie Robertson as she describes the work that Journey into Education & Teaching (JET) does, building paraeducator-to-teacher pipelines to diversify the educator workforce so that school faculty reflect the students and families they serve.

More Than a Project: DEW and the Power of Collective Leadership in Rhode Island

In this episode, we sit down with Tammy Warner (Distinctive Success Solutions [https://distinctivesuccess.com/about-us]), Lisa DiMartino (the Rhode Island Foundation [https://rifoundation.org/]), Betzabel Vazquez, and Simona Simpson-Thomas (Freedom Dreams [https://www.freedomdreams.info/]). These four individuals and their organizations are engaged in a collective impact approach to increasing the diversity of the educator workforce in Rhode Island.  Tammy, Lisa, Betzabel, and Simona will share their successes, challenges, and advice for others who are working toward educator workforce diversification. Join us to learn how funders, community partners, policymakers, and educators in Rhode Island are breaking down silos, building trust, and collaborating to make a larger impact.

Kintsugi for the Soul: Restoring and Rejuvenating Teachers of Color

In this episode, we welcome Jalene Tamerat, educator, leader, and advocate for teacher sustainability. As a faculty member at Boston University Wheelock College of Education, she leads initiatives supporting leadership and teacher diversification. Jalene is also co-author of Education Across Borders and a consultant for the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Today, we explore her passion project, Kintsugi Educator Retreats [https://www.kintsugieducators.com/], designed to help teachers of Color unwind, heal, and sustain their passion for teaching. Inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, these retreats provide restorative spaces to process challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with purpose. Join us as we discuss: * Why rest and renewal are essential for teachers of Color * The systemic challenges leading to burnout * How retreats and wellness practices foster longevity in education This episode is a must-listen for educators and advocates committed to sustaining and supporting teachers of Color. If you're interested in learning more about Kintsugi Educator Retreats, reach out to info@kintsugieducators.com.

From Community to Classroom: The Impact of Teach Western Mass

Join us as we interview guests Pema Latshang and Jawad Brown of Teach Western Mass [https://teachwesternmass.com/].  Teach Western Mass builds and bolsters a diverse, sustainable educational workforce by providing alternative pathways to classroom careers and transformative educator opportunities to achieve educational equity in the Western Massachusetts region. Through their certification program and ongoing support, they work to eliminate the barriers that have kept talented BIPOC teachers from serving the schools and students of Western Massachusetts. Pema Latshang is the Founding Executive Director of Teach Western Mass. At the time of recording, Jawad Brown was the Manger of Teacher Development at Teach Western Mass. He is now Expert Teacher in Math at Holyoke Public Schools. If you'd like to learn more about the Great Schools Partnership's Diversifying the Educator Workforce Collaborative, visit us at https://www.greatschoolspartnership.org/dew-collaborative/