NCATE Standard 4c.3
Experiences Working with Diverse Candidates
What efforts does the unit make to recruit and retain candidates from diverse groups?
While the unit is geographically located in a region known for its diversity, the unit recognizes
its role in preparing high quality, diverse candidates as future educators for NWI. To this end,
the unit provides monthly information session regarding the T2T/MAT and the undergraduate
programs, places ads in the local papers, on buses, digital banners, and attempts to attract new
diverse candidates. While we are pleased with the programs, we would prefer stronger diversity.
One source for diverse candidates is the School City of Hammond’s Bilingual Education
Program, who provides the unit with candidates periodically. The unit director recently renewed
that partnership and is collaboratively advancing opportunities for unlicensed bilingual
candidates to pursue licensure. This strategy has produced strong candidates in the past.
A recent brainstorming session produced a recruiting strategy that focuses on teacher aids and
paraprofessionals presently working in classrooms in the four school districts nearest the unit
campus (Hammond, Whiting, East Chicago and Gary). Another strategy the unit employs
includes collaboration with unit alumni to identify potential candidates who they would
recommend.
Of paramount importance is the establishment of scholarship funds to incentivize diverse
candidates. A fund was initiated four years ago with seed money matched from a particular
foundation. Unit faculty members engage in fund raisers annually to expand the fund.
Collectively, the cluster of targeted strategies assists the unit in building its reputation for
producing the next generation of diverse educators for NWI.