-Janaki Natarajan
"We must humanize the world so that it becomes impossible to pull the trigger."
The Spark Teacher Education Institute is an accredited teacher licensing institution which provides a rigorous immersive graduate-level teaching program. Spark students learn to teach for social change in all subjects K-12.
Spark was founded in 1998 by renowned social justice educator Dr. Janaki Natarajan who, through her observations of classrooms around the world, felt compelled to develop an education model that helps teachers develop critical tools to better attend to the realities of children’s lives.
Many teacher training programs simply teach to state standards. Spark goes beyond this by ensuring students develop critical tools of analysis to create a better world in and out of the classroom. For example, students learn how to create democratic classrooms, how to manage conflict in just ways, and how to incorporate social justice into all aspects of teaching.
The learning journey does not end with certification. From first year teachers to those who have been teachers for many decades, the Spark Institute offers opportunities for ongoing professional development and learning with a community of teachers.
Those students interested in earning a Masters in Education (MEd) while also earning their teachers license are encouraged to contact us about potential arrangements to pursue a degree as they complete licensure.
Overview of Spark
Dr. Janaki Natarajan
“Throughout my life, I have been a part of many Sparks. Everywhere there are attempts of a better world with no divisions and no big possessions. Spark is one of the constant attempts to restart new ways of teaching and learning. It answers the questions: do we love the people and labor with a resounding yes! That kind of critical thinking is what we need to strengthen. Standing on the principle that we want a life for humans where everyone has food, clothing, shelter and creativity.”