Creating pathways for the next generation of teachers.

Our mission is to partner with schools and communities to develop equitable  and sustainable  learning environments.

Our Purpose

By centering community, we leverage local talent to create pathways for individuals to become certified classroom teachers. We offer comprehensive support through coaching, professional development, and community spaces designed to connect, build, and heal.

Our Approach

How We Work

Diversifying Teaching Workforce

We partner with schools and communities to recruit, develop, support, and retain a more racially, linguistically, and ethnically diverse teacher workforce.

Trainings & Workshops

We facilitate interactive learning experiences to explore identity, language, and culture and how they impact the academic and social development of all learners. 

Community Building

We convene teachers, administrators, professionals, and community members to support and cultivate meaningful interactions and shared storytelling.

Our Impact

By the Numbers

Since its inception, our organization has made significant strides in building community and developing people. By providing resources, training, and support, we have enabled individuals and groups to cultivate knowledge and skills that lead to sustainable growth. Our initiatives have reached thousands and we’re just getting started.

5,406

Educators reached through our programming

158,652

Students reached through our programming

2,199

Community members have been brought together at our meetup events

144

Speakers have shared their stories at our events

Our Educator Pathway Collective

Educator Pathway Collective

An Online Community for Paraprofessionals and Teaching Assistants

Our Educator Pathway Collective is a unique online network for paraprofessionals during their journey to become certified. Our app and online network is a central hub for all your teacher certification needs, and it's specifically designed for participants in EI's Educator Pathway Programs.

Our Community

Building Community

Our meetups are more than just gatherings. They are a source of joy and love for the people who deserve it the most: our dedicated educators.

Each meetup offered opportunities to share stories, celebrate successes, and foster connections among teachers and paraprofessionals.

Our Educator Pathway Programs

Our Teachers, Our Mirrors

Diversifying the Teaching Profession Through High-Retention Pathways

Although the student population in the U.S. is becoming increasingly diverse, with 53% identifying as Black, Latinx/a/o/e, Asian, Native, Pacific Islander, or multiracial, only 21% of teachers identify similarly. This underscores the urgent need to increase the representation of educators from historically underrepresented backgrounds to reflect better and support the diverse student body. We are committed to diversifying the teaching profession by tapping into community talent and providing pathways to become certified classroom teachers. Our approach centers on community empowerment and support.

What Our Community is Saying

  • “[The] EPP program has had a tremendous impact on my life, both professionally and personally. It provided me with the tools and support I needed to grow as an educator, while encouraging a sense of community and equity. I feel empowered to make a difference in the classroom and beyond, shaping my career in ways I never imagined. I’m truly grateful for the experience and the lifelong connections I’ve made through the program.”

    Teaching Assistant, Educator Pathway Program Participant

  • “Beyond my own family reunions this is the only space where I'm surrounded by family and a room full of hues that value my identity and commitment to education.

    This is a wonderful place to meet with like-minded people - people that care about our community and our education system.”

    Meetup Attendee

  • “The Central Falls School District is grateful to have a partner such as Equity Institute in the work to ensure we are continuously improving to best support our students, families, staff, and community as a whole. I highly recommend organizations partner with EI as they are a team of values-driven leaders who are excellent at what they do!”

    Dr. Stephanie Downey Toledo, Superintendent at Central Falls School Department

  • “Our district has been partnering with Equity Institute for several years. We have experienced the most positive, dynamic, and engaging collaboration with this entire team. They cultivate a relationship built on trust, acceptance, and collegiality. There is no question that our partnership with the Equity Institute has empowered (and will continue to empower) our school community in deepening our focus and goals in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

    Louise K. Seitsinger, Assistant Superintendent North Providence School District

  • “This organization reaffirms all the things that I aim to bring to pass in my classroom for my students. I find support, inspiration, and resources to make visions reality.”

    Meetup Attendee

Our Partners