Freedom schools literacy academy

High School Students
College-Aged Individuals
Educators
Families

HELP GUIDE FUTURE EDUCATORS!

Join our 2026 Freedom Schools Literacy Academy Summer Programming by becoming a Coach or Site Lead!

You can serve a critical role in training and mentoring outstanding college and high school teacher-apprentices. Shape the next generation of culturally-responsive teachers and, in the process, energize your own commitment to teaching.

Applications for 2026 Freedom Schools Literacy Academy Summer Programming are currently open!

SITE LEAD APPLICATION (IN-PERSON)

SITE LEAD APPLICATION (VIRTUAL)

JUNIOR SERVANT LEADER COACH APPLICATION (IN-PERSON)

SERVANT LEADER APPRENTICE COACH APPLICATION (IN-PERSON)

SERVANT LEADER APPRENTICE COACH APPLICATION (VIRTUAL)

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WHY COACH

PLAY A CENTRAL ROLE DEVELOPING TEACHER-APPRENTICES

When Black students have Black teachers, they do better in school; likewise, when Black high school and college-aged individuals have Black educator-activists as coaches, they are further encouraged to pursue teaching careers. 

This intergenerational, activist model steeped in Black culture, history and pedagogy is what differentiates the Freedom Schools Literacy Academy from the Eurocentric models prevalent in teaching preparation programs. 

We can continue delivering this programming—and significant results and advances in rebuilding the national Black teacher pipeline—only with experienced Black educator-activists stepping up to assume core positions each summer.

Applications for 2026 Freedom Schools Literacy Academy Summer Programming are currently open!

ROLES FOR TEACHERS AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS

SITE LEAD

THIS IS A SEASONAL, IN-PERSON POSITION BASED IN PHILADELPHIA, PA

Site Leads serve as the on-site leader of programming. They provide operational and instructional leadership to ensure programming is being operated with fidelity and we are providing an enriching experience to scholars, families, and apprentices. 

Site Leads must be capable of managing an intergenerational staff and also be strong communication liaisons for families. They must be committed to the goals and vision of the program and be familiar with the culture and dynamics of the communities we serve. Site Leads are responsible for managing instructional coaches and collaborating with them in the supervision of Servant Leader Apprentices and Junior Servant Leaders, ensuring their professionalism, continued development, and the strong implementation of the program.

SITE LEAD APPLICATION (IN-PERSON)

SITE LEAD APPLICATION (VIRTUAL)

JUNIOR SERVANT LEADER COACH

THIS IS A SEASONAL, IN-PERSON POSITION BASED IN PHILADELPHIA, PA

Junior Servant Leader (JSL) Coaches serve as on-site instructional leaders by owning the professional development of JSLs and the instructional integrity of programming. They provide individualized coaching to JSLs to ensure scholars are receiving high-quality small group literacy instruction and JSLs are equipped with black pedagogical understandings and instructional skills. Coaches work to ensure this apprenticeship experience is enriching and rewarding for JSLs, being what might be their first exposure to the teaching profession.

JUNIOR SERVANT LEADER COACH APPLICATION (IN-PERSON)

SERVANT LEADER APPRENTICE COACH

THIS IS A SEASONAL POSITION.

Servant Leader Apprentice (SLA) Coaches serve as on-site instructional leaders by owning the professional development of SLAs and the instructional integrity of programming. They provide individualized coaching to SLAs to ensure scholars are receiving high-quality literacy instruction and SLAs are equipped with black pedagogical understandings and instructional skills. Coaches work to ensure this apprenticeship experience is enriching and rewarding to SLAs so that they emerge committed to entering the field of education upon college graduation.

SERVANT LEADER APPRENTICE COACH APPLICATION (IN-PERSON)

SERVANT LEADER APPRENTICE COACH APPLICATION (VIRTUAL)

WHAT TEACHER APPRENTICES SAY ABOUT COACHES

“I learned from my coach to be patient with myself. I am very grateful to her.”

“She gives us the platform to create change, and pushes us to our full potential. ”

“I will miss you coach, coming to work was a joy.”

“I had a great discussion with my coach about our racial identity.”

“The most important thing I learned from my coach is that I can be myself.”

“My coach has given me some great tips to better manage my classroom.”

“He gives examples of servant leadership and values our voices and opinions.”

“I learned how to implement more culture into our teaching.”

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Help Rebuild the
Black Teacher Pipeline

We invite you to invest in a future where Black students don’t go 13 years without seeing a Black teacher. At the Center for Black Educator Development, we are rebuilding the national Black teaching pipeline — transforming classrooms, communities, and lives. Together we reaffirm: We need Black teachers. We need you.