WS Chronicle

While the Trump administration continues its fight against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) polices, it’s the programs that help our most vulnerable families that are taking all the blows.  

In a social media post made over the weekend, Winston-Salem Teachers for Equity, Achievement, Community and Humanity (WS TEACH), a local teacher residency program, announced that the $4.7 million grant they received from the U.S. Department of Education has been cancelled.  

According to their website, Winston-Salem TEACH is a collaborative project led by Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), Wake Forest University (WFU), and Salem College designed to prepare recent college graduates, teachers’ assistants and career changers to be teacher-leaders in the local school district.  

WS TEACH residents receive a living stipend of $50,000 as they complete coursework for their master’s and two clinical internships with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS). After graduating, residents are required to teach for three years with the district at a Title I School, schools with at least 40% of the student population from low-income households.  

Throughout the program, including the three years after graduation, residents receive professional development and support through a collaborative model.   

While Winston-Salem TEACH is supported by local organizations like the Reynolds Foundation, John W. and Anna H. Hanes Foundation, and others like the Jesse Ball DuPoint Fund, most of the funding for the program comes from the government. Since WS TEACH started in 2022, the U.S. Department of Education has funded 80% of the cost associated with the program.  

The post made on the WS TEACH Facebook page detailing the funding challenges has been shared nearly 2,000 times. The post reads, “… These stipends are a critical way we combat the key factors driving teacher turnover in Title I Schools, most importantly the financial barriers that prevent talented educators from entering and staying in the profession. 

“Despite this setback, Winston-Salem TEACH has become deeply embedded in our community, and the outpouring of support we’re receiving is a bright spot in the midst of this challenge! It’s clear that so many people recognize the impact of this work and want to help sustain it.” 

Last month the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a freeze on all federal aid, halting grants and loans issued by the federal government. Although the funding freeze was only temporary, experts believe it’s only the beginning of the changes we will see at the federal level. On Monday the Department of Education canceled over $350 million in contracts and grants.  

The Educator Partnership, an independent non-profit that facilitates community collaboration, commitment and action in local public schools by cultivating resources and relationships, has started a fund to help support WS TEACH. To make a donation visit https://tinyurl.com/2h4v74tc and select Winston-Salem T.E.A.C.H. from the dropdown.