The Future Educator Program is an innovative project established to produce teachers more reflective of the diversity in the community. (Currently 68% of the students in the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) come from minority communities while only 24% of the teachers represent these groups.)
The Future Educator Program includes:
- Future Educator Clubs in19 SDUSD junior and senior high schools to encourage careers in teaching
- Scholarships, mentoring and counseling that will enable them to become a teacher in five-six years with a BA/BS degree, secure a credential, and teach in San Diego City Schools. The mentoring is especially helpful because most are the first in their family to attend college.
Applicants are interviewed and selected as scholars on the basis of financial need, demonstrated record of academic achievement, community service and faculty recommendations.
Most of the students reflect the growing diversity of the community-- Hispanic, Asian and African-American.
As teachers, they will become role models for the next generation of students in our schools.
Our goal is that each recipient has an opportunity to teach in the SDUSD and agrees to teach for a minimum of three years. (Already 84 scholars have received their credentials and have been assigned to 72 schools.)
An annual "Become a Teacher" seminar is produced annually for Future Educator of America Clubs' members to learn from teachers, counselors and administrators, the skills needed to teach at the elementary and secondary levels. A panel of current and former scholars provides advice on classes and tips for success in school. Local colleges and universities send representatives to conduct relevant workshops.
SDEF is governed by a community Board of Directors. The program does not have full-time staff and because of in-kind services such as accounting support, the Board is able to distribute 90% of every dollar donated for scholarships.
The SDEF relies on donations from individuals, foundations and the business community.
The SDEF Board awards "named scholarships" for each $2,500 gift received. Information on the "named" scholars progress is distributed to the donor.
The SDEF is a (501(c)3) charitable organization. I.D. #95-6095413