Puget Sound Educational Service District Receives $1.75 Million Grant To Advance Educator Diversity And Equity Across Puget Sound -12/19/24

Renton, WA—Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD), in partnership with a diverse coalition of school districts, higher education institutions, and community organizations, has been awarded a transformative $1.75 million grant from College Spark Washington to focus on increasing educator diversity and promote racial equity in Washington's educational landscape.

The seven-year LEADER (Leaders in Education Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Racial Justice) initiative is part of College Spark Washington's $13.8 million statewide commitment to reshape educator preparation and support systems. This groundbreaking effort aims to create a more representative and inclusive educational workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

"This grant is more than funding—it's a catalyst for systemic change," said John Welch, Superintendent of PSESD. "We're not just adding diversity to our schools; we're fundamentally transforming how we identify, support, and elevate educators of color."

For over eight years, PSESD has been a leader in cultivating a racially diverse educator workforce that reflects the student population in the Puget Sound region. This grant significantly accelerates those efforts, providing resources to implement community-driven strategies that will create lasting change.

Key Initiative Goals:

1. Increase community representation in Washington's education workforce
2. Sustain and support a diverse educator workforce.
3. Drive meaningful systems-level transformation in educational institutions

Strategic Focus Areas:

• District, School, and Community Climate: Creating inclusive workplace environments that recognize and value diverse lived experiences
• Educator Preparation: Strengthening recruitment and support for diverse teaching candidates through culturally sustaining preparation approaches
• Career Growth: Developing equitable advancement pathways and leadership opportunities with innovative mentorship strategies

Innovative Approaches: The grant will support proven strategies like Highline Public Schools' Leadership Profiles Work and Federal Way Public Schools' Educators of Color Leadership Community. These programs have already demonstrated success in creating more inclusive and supportive educational environments. A list of partnering districts, higher education institutions, and community organizations is available upon request.

About PSESD:

PSESD is one of nine educational service districts in Washington State. It is dedicated to ensuring success for every child by leading with racial equity. With over 50 years of experience, PSESD provides comprehensive services to strengthen communities and enhance K–12 education.

College Spark Washington is committed to improving educational outcomes by funding innovative programs that support low-income students and transform educational systems. Through initiatives like LEADER, the organization continues to champion equity and opportunity.

For more information, contact Eileen Yoshina, Director of Equity in Education at PSESD, at eyoshina@psesd.org.

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