Black Educators Initiative
Representation in the classroom matters, and we know that students in St. Louis benefit from expanded access to Black educators. Schooling in our city has historically contributed to systems that perpetuate inequities and injustice. Training and supporting well-prepared Black educators creates a positive impact for all students and contributes to a more just system of schools. As a result, STLTR is proud to partner with the National Center for Teacher Residencies’ Black Educators Initiative (BEI), to intentionally recruit and develop more Black educators for our city and our students.
How We Support Black Teachers
Financial Support
A key component of our BEI program focuses on removing financial barriers for participants pursuing a career in the classroom. BEI residents have an opportunity to receive their teaching certification and Master’s degree at no cost, plus earn an additional stipend. Financial benefits include:
Tuition Forgiveness: The $8,000 cost of certification coursework is forgiven for each year of teaching you complete as a participant in our program.
TEACH Grant: Participants enrolled in STLTR are eligible to apply for the TEACH Grant. This $8,000 grant covers the entire cost of tuition for the Master's degree in Year 2.
Additional Stipend: BEI residents receive a $6,000 stipend from STLTR in addition to the salary provided by their school.
Building Community
STLTR is committed to developing a community that celebrates and supports the success of our Black educators. This requires developing strong relationships as a foundation - both within our cohort and with the schools, districts, and communities where we partner. The BEI cohort experience is designed to cultivate community connection and provides opportunities to collaborate and gather with Black educators both within and outside of the residency program.