Diversifying The Educator Workforce

Like Me Program

Lourdes University and the Division of Education are dedicated to diversifying the educator workforce in our region and country. To accomplish this goal, the University pledges to recruit, retain and support teachers of color after graduation.

Click to see student bios

U.S. Educator Workforce

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Education reported that less than 20% of the U.S. K-12 teaching workforce are teachers of color compared to a 50% representation among its student population. A similar disparity exists in Ohio where just 5% of the K-12 teaching workforce is educating a student population that has 30% students of color.

In the summer of 2021, Lourdes University established Like Me: Diversifying the Educator Workforce One Student at Time.

Mission

The mission of the Like Me program is to attract, prepare and mentor students of color to obtain employment in our partner schools in order to address the large disparity between students of color and teachers of color.

Program Components

College Credit Plus and Dual Enrollment opportunities
Lourdes University Scholarships
Loan Forgiveness for Lourdes Education majors who pursue and earn a bachelor’s degree in Education
Mentorships

Educational Partnerships

To date, the University has established partnerships with Springfield Local, Sylvania, Toledo Public and Washington Local Schools. Lourdes will continue to pursue and create educational partnerships.