BIPOC Educator Apprenticeship
Program
Launched in 2023, a multi-year apprenticeship for BIPOC youth in Grades 8–12, building the next generation of teachers.
The program
Unlocking the next generation of BIPOC teachers
- Only about 10% of Ontario teachers identify as racialized.Source: Ontario College of Teachers, 2023 ↗
- Some Ontario school boards have a racialized student population of over 70%.Source: Toronto District School Board, 2023 Student Census (7 in 10 students) ↗Source: Global News, 2020: Peel District School Board (about 83% of secondary students) ↗
- Many racialized students go through school without ever having a teacher who looks like them.
- When students have a teacher who looks like them, they’re more likely to graduate high school, and up to 32% more likely to go on to post-secondary.Source: Johns Hopkins University, 2018 ↗
This program gives racialized youth, starting in Grade 8, a chance to experience what it’s like to be a teacher. Every year, apprentices get 150+ hours of teaching experience as tutors and classroom instructors, plus mentorship from racialized teachers.
Faarizal’s story
“Before this program, I didn’t even like being around kids.”
Faarizal struggled with reading growing up. As an apprentice, he used the same strategies that helped him learn to read with a child he was tutoring, and they worked. Someone who never wanted to work with kids found out that teaching is his calling.
Results
What our 200+ apprentices achieve
89%
are rated by certified teachers as on par with a university student teacher, someone about 10 years older
“He was so calm, and he connected with the kids so well. Even though he was in Grade 9, I trusted him as much as adult educators I’ve worked with.”
92%
feel ready to run a classroom, while still in high school
“I never thought I could be a teacher, or make a difference in someone’s life. Now I know I can make a difference in this world.”
85%
are interested in a teaching career after one year, up from under 11%
“In 6th grade, I had a teacher who looked like me, and it made me feel understood. This program made me realize that I can be that person for other kids who look like me.”
83%
improve their relationships with their own teachers
“Before I used to think, why does this teacher care that much about me? Now I understand — my teacher really cared about the student, just like I care about mine.”
The Renee Page Scholarship
Apprentices who complete the program can receive a scholarship of $250 to $2,500.
How to join
For youth
Youth are nominated by their school. Ask a teacher or principal if your school takes part.
For schools
At this time, we’re not able to run the program in new schools. But we can help your team run it. Interested? Get in touch.
Contact Us
