Fitchburg State’s Future Educator Academy addresses need for diversity in education

Photo | Courtesy Fitchburg State University Students participating in Fitchburg State University's Future Educator Academy

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By Timothy Doyle

Students from Fitchburg High School, Goodrich Academy in Fitchburg, and Leominster High School, 50 in all, took part in Fitchburg State University’s Future Educator Academy which recruits and trains students from traditionally underrepresented populations.

The Future Educator Academy, launched in 2021 brings students to the campus to earn certificates during a series of one-day programs. The most recent offerings include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, facilitated by University Police Officer Timothy Grant; supporting mental wellness in the classroom, facilitated by Coordinator of Field Placements, Partnerships & Recruitment Lourdes Ramirez of the university’s School of Education; and working with students who are underserved, traditionally marginalized, and disenfranchised, facilitated by Assistant Professor Scott Tyner of the School of Education.

“We want to offer relevant programming that will provide high school students with marketable skills, while seeing themselves as future educators and change makers,” said Lourdes Ramirez in a Monday press release.

According to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, about 40% of the state’s public school students are of color, but only 10% of their teachers come from minority groups.