Institute for Recruitment of Teachers

Introduction
The Institute for Recruitment of Teachers aims to reduce over time the critical underrepresentation on the faculties of certain minority groups, as well as to address the attendant educational consequences of these disparities. Providing positive role models to youth, the institute serves the related goals of supporting school and campus environments.

Each year, the institute supports throughout the graduate school application process outstanding college students and graduates from diverse backgrounds who are committed to these ideals.

The Institute for Recruitment of Teachers was founded in 1990 by Kelly Wise, current executive director and former dean of faculty at Phillips Academy, with a mission to “deepen the pool of talented minorities entering the teaching profession in our country.” The institute was designed to increase the number of African American, Latino/a and Native American students pursuing advanced degrees for teaching, counseling and administrative careers so the pool of potential faculty members at both the K-12 and university levels will become more diverse.

All applicants to the IRT must meet certain personal and academic requirements:

• Have earned a grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale);
• Have an undergraduate major in mathematics, social sciences, humanities, education or computer science;
• Demonstrate a commitment to eradicating racial disparities in education;
• Demonstrate an interest in serving as a positive role model to youth;
• Submit a complete application by April 1, 2007.

Programs
The IRT Sponsors two programs:

Intern Summer Program
Each year, 25-30 interns are selected by the IRT to participate in an intense four-week summer workshop at Phillips Academy prior to or at the completion of their senior year of undergraduate study. The workshop typically runs for the month of July; interns and faculty work together nine hours each day, six days a week. Included in the workshop are lectures, seminar discussions, small group meetings, writing conferences, films, debates, practice teaching sessions and presentations by nationally known educators, scholars, poets and artists.

During the Summer Workshop, IRT interns engage a graduate-level curriculum of critical, cultural and educational theory. Students prepare for the (GRE) and work on their statements of purpose. At the end of the third week in July, the IRT hosts its annual Recruiters’ Weekend, attended by more than 60 academic deans and graduate admissions representatives from consortium institutions who are eager to speak with potential candidates about their graduate programs. The IRT recruits students from colleges and universities across the nation. Participants receive a $1,200 stipend, travel expenses (for those traveling by plane or train), and room and board.

Admission for the Summer Workshop is highly selective. If we are unable to offer you a place in the Summer Workshop, you will be considered automatically for the Associate Program.

The 2007 Workshop will be held from June 25th to July 22nd. You must remain on campus for the entire duration of the program.

The Associate Program
The Associate Program is geared toward rising seniors and recent college graduates who otherwise are engaged during the summer in study-abroad activities or research. Participants in both programs are sponsored by the IRT as they apply to graduate schools in a consortium of 44 universities. Most application fees are waived for both interns and associates. Associates also are invited to the Recruiters’ Weekend on a first come, first served basis. Although associates do not participate in the summer workshop, both interns and associates receive extensive counseling and individual support with the graduate school application process.

The 2007 Recruiters Weekend will take place from July 13-15th.

How to apply
Visit http://www.andover.edu/irt/irt_application_procedure.htm to apply.

top