The Relay Report Edition 1 April 2025

A Note from Relay's President

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I welcome you to our first edition of The Relay Report. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, this monthly newsletter serves as a vital tool to highlight the incredible work being done across our Relay community and keep you informed about what lies ahead.

At Relay, we remain deeply committed to our mission: ensuring that all children are taught by outstanding educators. Our work is rooted in the belief that great educators have the power to transform the lives of students and their communities. From innovative programming and leadership development to new partnerships, we remain focused on providing the tools and support necessary to meet the dynamic needs of educators and leaders to create meaningful impact in their classrooms and beyond.

This newsletter will offer a glimpse into the inspiring work happening within our community—showcasing the contributions of our students, alumni, faculty, and partners. First, we take a closer look at P.S. 268 in Brooklyn, where a strategic focus on high-quality curriculum and leadership support helped turn a once-struggling school into a model of success. Meanwhile, a Texas Tech study affirms the impact of the Relay Alternative Certification Program, demonstrating how our approach to teacher preparation leads to better student achievement, higher retention rates, and stronger classroom outcomes. These stories underscore what’s possible when educators have the right support to grow and thrive.

We also take a moment to celebrate the incredible individuals driving this work forward. Be sure to check out both our Alumni Spotlight, highlighting the achievements of our graduates, and our Employee Spotlight, where we shine a light on the dedicated professionals at the core of our organization.

Each month, The Relay Report will bring you powerful stories, research, upcoming events, and updates from across our network. We hope it inspires and informs as we continue shaping the future of education—together.

We are incredibly excited about what’s to come. We are building a brighter future for education, and we are grateful to have you alongside us every step of the way.

Dr. Mayme Hostetter, President

Relay's Alternative Certification Program Delivers Results

Texas schools struggle with a critical challenge—nearly half of new teachers are uncertified, impacting student learning. A Texas Tech study highlights Relay's Alternative Certification Program as a solution. Relay-trained teachers stay longer, boost student reading and math gains, and reduce suspensions. Relay isn't just preparing teachers— it's transforming classrooms for lasting impact.

See the impact

“This has been one the greatest learning experiences of my teaching career. That is not hyperbole, I am not overstating that. This has been the first time I have gotten solid skills and content to grow my practice and engage my students intellectually. I have never felt more taken care of, heard, and at ease than in this program.”

Matt Bartells

Teacher, Spring Creek Community High School and Hollyhock Humanities Fellow

How P.S. 268 Became a Model for Curriculum Implementation

Featured Leader: Rick Romain

Principal, P.S. 268, New York City Public Schools

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Once among the lowest-performing schools in NYC's Community District 18, Brooklyn's P.S. 268 made a dramatic turnaround. With strong leadership, a rigorous reading curriculum, and support from Relay GSE, the school became a top performer. Now, District 18 is scaling this success, partnering with Relay to transform classrooms across all its elementary and middle schools.

How They Did It

Alumni Spotlight: Jasmine Barber

For Relay alumna Jasmine Barber, Lois Lowry's book The Giver sparked a lifetime love of reading - and a passion for teaching.

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She says Relay gave her the skills for "real life teaching", and now, she's taking on more and more leadership roles. Her students have embraced her love of reading, often quoting her favorite reminder: "Get a book!"

Meet Jasmine

Five Steps for Sustaining Your Passion as an Educator

Teaching, like climbing Mount Everest, is demanding yet deeply rewarding, says Relay professor Dr. MaryAnn DeRosa in Climbing to a Better View. She defines passion as the relentless pursuit of ambitious goals, even amid challenges. With only 4% of U.S. college grads entering teaching, Dr. DeRosa shares five key practices to help educators sustain their passion.

Discover the Practices

Five Steps for Sustaining Your Passion as an Educator

Introducing Relay's Employee Spotlight

Relay is launching a new tradition to celebrate the incredible staff who make our work possible. This month, we spotlight Nicole Holland, Director of Human Resources. Inspired by her mother's journey in education, Nicole brings a passion for HR that ensures every process reflects care and humanness. Learn more about Nicole's journey to Relay.

Read Nicole's Story

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