The We Care program seeks to mentor, support and retain Black educators, helping them become the best teachers they can be.
Establishing the We Care program to support and mentor — and ultimately retain — new educators and clinicians of color
Starting a new job always comes with challenges. The We Care Coaching and Mentoring Program is part of a system-wide effort to help new educators navigate the frustrating, and sometimes overwhelming, challenges that every educator must surmount as they develop their craft.
Throughout the summer and fall, We Care enrolled hundreds of new teachers and clinicians, virtual instructional coaches, and building mentors to help a new generation of Chicago Public Schools hires get a running start on their new careers.
All new educators need support, but we also know that in recent years, layoffs and school closures have had a disproportionate impact on educators of color. “Today, in Black communities like Austin or Englewood, scores of Black and Brown children are not being taught by enough teachers that look like them,” said Tara Stamps, CTU Administrator of New Teacher Development, in a story about We Care’s rapid expansion this past year.
“Given the traumas they face today, our students need all the great teachers we can give them — and they especially need teachers of color.”
Learn more about We Care Coaching and Mentoring at ctulocal1.org/wecare.
Previously in the CTU year in review:
Bargaining for a safe return to our schools
New part-time clinician positions for 2021-2022
CTU bargaining units organized at two charter campuses
CPS finally agrees to start paying $25 million in sports funding
Making history in Springfield
Reducing REACH evaluation
We have updated info at ctulocal1.org so please check the important updates on the campaign for safety in our school communities for the latest on safe return, including Sunday’s all-member tele-town hall.
