Montclair Launches First NJ Teacher Apprenticeship Program Backed by Department of Labor

Yesterday marked a historic moment for Montclair State University and the State of New Jersey. We are proud to be the first university in the state to launch a teacher certification apprenticeship program backed by the U.S. Department of Labor that will address the teacher shortage in New Jersey, while providing an opportunity for hard-working paraprofessionals to realize their full potential as teachers without sacrificing their income.

For over 100 years, many of New Jersey’s best teachers have been educated at Montclair. As we have evolved from the Montclair Normal School into Montclair State University, our commitment to training teachers has never dimmed. This initiative is another important innovation in creating new, accessible pathways for people who are passionate about educating our youngsters to obtain the necessary degrees and certifications. Like our Red Hawks Rising program, it demonstrates the commitment of our newly-launched College for Education and Engaged Learning to be creative in meeting the needs of New Jersey’s communities and learners.

We are grateful to our partners at Wayne Township School District for designing the pilot program with us. Together we’re taking tangible steps to address a real issue – the teacher shortage we’re seeing not just in Wayne, but all over the state – while changing the trajectory of the individual lives of the people who participate.

I am so excited to launch and grow this initiative, and hope that more school districts and community colleges will join us. Special thank you to our College for Education and Engaged Learning, and Superintendent Mark Toback and his team, for their vision and dedication. I’d also like to thank the U.S. Department of Labor for their support and recognition as we continue to innovate in ways that positively impact the state.

Learn more about the program by clicking on this link.