Montclair Empowers Newark High School Students to Explore Teaching as a Profession As “Red Hawks Rising”

For high school students in Newark, NJ, becoming a future teacher is more than an aspiration or a dream. It’s a clear, achievable path through the Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy, a program within the College for Education and Engaged Learning at Montclair State University. Since its development in 2019, this program has introduced young adults enrolled at East Side High School and University High School to a future career in education.

The Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy nurtures and guides students toward teaching as a profession. It addresses the critical shortage of teachers of color and empowers young people to transform their communities from within. The program is made possible through a collaboration between Montclair State University, the Newark Board of Education (NBOE), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Students in the ninth grade are invited to enroll in the NBOE Teacher Academy, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at their high school. Teacher Academy students learn about the importance of teaching and the role of public education in their communities. Those interested in continuing are eligible to join the Red Hawks Rising (RHR) Teacher Academy in the 11th grade and become dual enrollment students at Montclair. 

In addition to completing their high school requirements, RHR Teacher Academy students complete ten college courses – two per semester across five semesters, including the summer between their junior and senior years of high school. These general education courses are taught by Montclair faculty in the two partner schools. While earning 30 college credits, RHR students are introduced to the Montclair community, the opportunities available on our campus, and the teaching profession.

RHR students are invited to apply to Montclair State University, and those who maintain a 3.0 GPA are guaranteed admission. Those who choose to enroll in Montclair full-time can pursue any major. Those who enroll in Montclair full-time can pursue any major, and if they complete the Teacher Education program, they can return to their communities to teach.

This summer, we proudly recognized and celebrated the 34 rising seniors of Cohort 4.

Rita Simoes, a rising senior at East Side High School, said, “Red Hawks Rising has taught me to embrace challenges and venture into the unknown with my head held high. It also taught me how to communicate, work with others, and be more open-minded. It made me realize there isn’t just one specific way to ensure a bright future.”

Simoes also reflected on being able to enroll in up to 30 college credits as a high school student at no cost. “As the first of my family to go to college, my mother was ecstatic to know I was beginning my journey early – and saving money. By entering this program, I put my future first and ensured I was on the right path.”

Dr. Mayida Zaal is the Founder & Director of Red Hawks Rising and an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Dr. Zaal says, “The Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy provides students with their first college experience – one in which they are supported to thrive by a community of folks committed to their success. RHR students appreciate working with our dedicated faculty, who see their greatness and challenge them to grow. 

During the Summer Academy, students develop confidence by writing speeches for the Fundamentals of Speech course and learning computer languages and coding in their Introduction to Computer Concepts class.

Students expressed that one of the most impactful experiences this summer was meeting faculty and staff from across campus, many of whom are part of the African American Caucus and the Latinx/a/o Caucus. Engaging with faculty and staff who look like our students and were themselves first-generation college graduates made them feel a sense of belonging and empowerment.”

To learn more about the Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy, email redhawksrising@montclair.edu.

Story by Social Media and Communications Coordinator Lauren Conforti