Teach Western Mass Executive Director Pema Latshang to Step Down

SPRINGFIELD — Teach Western Mass (TWM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the educator workforce in Western Mass., announced that its founding executive director, Pema Latshang, will step down from her role at the end of April.

Latshang launched TWM in 2016 with a bold, community-driven vision: that every student in Springfield, Holyoke, and surrounding communities in Western Mass. deserves an excellent teacher who reflects their identity and understands their lived experience. Under her leadership, TWM launched and expanded its flagship teacher residency program, placing more than 200 mission-driven educators in Springfield and Holyoke classrooms.

“This has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Latshang said. “Together, we’ve built something extraordinary — a community-centered movement that expands access to the teaching profession and deepens our region’s commitment to educational equity.”

During her tenure, Latshang and her team also launched several innovative initiatives aimed at cultivating high-quality educators, including the Teach Western Mass Residency; the Black, Latine, and Educators of Color Fellowship; TWM’s AmeriCorps Professional Corps; partnerships with American International College, Smith College, and Generation Teach; and the Certified Teachers Program and the Graduate Fellowship. These initiatives have collectively supported and trained hundreds of diverse educators who now serve students across the region, creating lasting impact in public-school classrooms.

“Pema’s unwavering leadership and vision as TWM’s founding executive director drove the organization to double in size and, alongside collaboration with many incredible organizations across the region, contributed to doubling the percentage of BIPOC teachers in Western Massachusetts, marking the largest increase in the state,” said Alison Mathias, interim president and board chair. “Her proactive approach has ensured that our organization remains both resilient and forward-thinking.”

TWM’s board of directors has engaged the Financial Development Agency of Amherst to guide the leadership transition. In the interim, longtime TWM leaders Julie Anderson, deputy director of Strategy and Operations, and Lisa Doherty, deputy director of Programs, will continue leading the organization.

“Pema’s leadership has been essential to shaping TWM into the impactful organization it is today, rooted in equity, access, and innovation,” Anderson said. “We are deeply grateful for her service and commitment to this community.”

As TWM prepares to graduate cohort 6, launch cohort 7 into summer programming, and begin recruitment for its eighth residency cohort, the organization remains focused on expanding its impact and deepening partnerships with schools and communities throughout Western Mass. Latshang will remain a committed supporter of Teach Western Mass and leaves the organization ready for its next chapter.