July 17, 2023
By Tessa Chilton
The University of Louisville Multicultural Teacher Recruitment Program (MTRP) is thrilled to announce Massiel Morales González as its new program coordinator. With this new addition to the team program director Whitney Taylor, has high expectations for the upcoming school year.
Morales González brings a wealth of experience and passion for education. Originally, from Cuba, Morales González moved to Spain at a young age to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Barcelona (UB). After moving to the United States in 2011, she began working as a substitute teacher. Morales González then started working as an instructional assistant at Indian Trail Elementary School in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) while earning a master of arts in Spanish from UofL. Later she taught as an English as a second language teacher (ESL) at Farnsley Middle School and most recently at Fairdale High School.
Her experiences in Louisville opened her eyes to the high need for teachers, especially multilingual learners, and their families. “Although I was asked to bridge language barriers, many times I had to act as a cultural mentor for our students and families because they needed that connection,” said Morales González. “It made me realize how important it was to have teachers from diverse backgrounds to reimagine how we teach and provide the best education for all students – especially multilingual learners.”
This realization led her to her current role in MTRP, an organization committed to student success and addressing the shortage of teachers of color in Louisville, KY., and the nation. After completing her master’s degree, Morales González saw opportunities for connections across Belknap campus. She intends to integrate those interdisciplinary collaborations into her work with MTRP.
“I’m so excited to expand my passion and strengthen support systems for diverse learners, like MTRP, because I was not aware of these support programs when I was a student,” said Morales González. “We can help students with scholarships, one on one coaching and other layers of support.”
This year, MTRP is prioritizing recruitment, retention and community engagement. “We are actively recruiting diverse teacher candidates, emphasizing retention efforts to ensure scholars graduate while connecting with our alumni and community,” said Taylor. “We’re also collaborating with surrounding school districts through the Teaching Learning Career Pathway and Educator Rising programs.”
Additionally, MTRP is working closely with JCPS to provide future teachers with the tools they need to be successful in an urban school district.
“I am thrilled to have Massiel on the CEHD team. Her invaluable experience serving diverse populations makes her an excellent fit for this role,” said Taylor. “As we move into this year, MTRP is focused on the past, present and future. We look forward to fostering existing relationships, engaging with current scholars and preparing the next generation of educators.”
In celebration of the program’s rich history and vision for its future, MTRP is pleased to announce its upcoming alumni and friends’ reunion event with special guest and Emmy award-winning broadcaster Jean West. West will speak to the theme: Heart of an Educator.
If you or someone you know would like to attend, please visit Louisville Alumni for more information and to RSVP.
About the Multicultural Teacher Recruitment Program
Since 1985, the Multicultural Teacher Recruitment Program has been addressing the shortage of teachers of color in Louisville KY., and the nation. The program is a partnership among the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) that offers involved students the support they need to succeed in their certification program, graduate on time and become effective teachers. MTRP utilizes initiatives like one-on-one coaching, student networking, community partnerships, Praxis assistance, job placement support and scholarships.
Follow the Multicultural Teacher Recruitment Program on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Learn more about the program by visiting its webpage. Programs like MTRP are not possible without the generous support of alumni and friends. Donate to MTRP here.
About the College of Education and Human Development:
Founded in 1968, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a vibrant community that prepares students for leadership in a variety of metropolitan settings including schools, public and private corporations, and governmental agencies.
CEHD embraces the University's mission to advance the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens. Our commitment to student success is unparalleled as we promote the highest levels of learning and social, emotional, and physical health and well-being for all children, individuals, and families.
Connect with the CEHD by following us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , and TikTok or by visiting our main website .