NEWARK NONPROFIT GATEWAY U ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW TEACHER PATHWAY PROGRAM TO ADDRESS “DIRE” STATEWIDE TEACHER SHORTAGE
NEWARK NONPROFIT GATEWAY U ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW TEACHER PATHWAY PROGRAM TO ADDRESS “DIRE” STATEWIDE TEACHER SHORTAGE
In Partnership with Schools Across NJ, Gateway U will help Educators Earn Bachelor’s Degrees and Teaching Licenses
NEWARK, N.J. – (December 15, 2022) – In response to New Jersey’s urgent teacher shortage, Newark nonprofit Gateway U has announced the launch of the Gateway U Teacher Pathway Program, an initiative to help New Jersey paraprofessionals, school staff, and community members who would like to become teachers, but need to earn their bachelor’s degree, a critical first step necessary for a teaching certification.
According to the US Department of Education, New Jersey currently faces teacher shortages at all grade levels across multiple subjects. Just last month, Governor Phil Murphy issued an executive order creating a statewide task force to “help the state address the challenges facing our educational workforce,” described recently by the New Jersey School Boards Association as “a dire shortage.” Now, Gateway U is taking action to help build sustainable, homegrown education talent pipelines in collaboration with schools.
Gateway U will help Teacher Pathway Fellows graduate faster and at a significantly reduced cost by providing personalized coaching to students enrolled in high-quality online degree programs. Gateway U’s Teacher Pathway Fellows will also have access to comprehensive, cost-free materials and resources to help them prepare for and pass their teacher certification exams.
“The teacher shortage we are experiencing is nothing new. While there are programs that assist with gaining a postgraduate degree, certification, or teacher placement, all of these programs require you to previously have your bachelor’s,” says Saymah Nah, Executive Director of Gateway U. “Gateway U recognizes paraprofessionals, teacher assistants, and those who have historically gained the experience but never the degree. This has not only created a barrier for people to become certified teachers but has also impacted economic growth. Gateway U will help fellows obtain their bachelors degree and provide support to and through certification.”
Gateway U is focused on improving the socio-economic mobility of underserved communities. Participants in the Teacher Pathway Program will receive wrap-around support and mentorship services, test preparation support for the Praxis exams, career support, and more. Early school partners for this initiative include College Achieve Paterson Charter School, Foundation Academy Charter School, and the Brick Education Network with more in the works.
“I love that the teacher shortages have prompted educational institutions to establish an innovative approach to fixing it!” says Dr. Gemar Mills, College Achieve Paterson’s Chief Academic Officer. “We no longer have the luxury of waiting for candidates to pursue a career in teaching. Gateway U gets that and is bringing the university to the candidates, wherever they are. College Achieve – Paterson is excited to partner with Gateway U to provide a pathway for our staff members who want to become teachers.”
Gateway U is committed to supporting students who’ve traditionally been underserved by our post-secondary system. To learn more about Gateway U and their programs please visit gatewayunewark.org and follow the organization at @gatewayunewark across all social media platforms.
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ABOUT GATEWAY U
Gateway U is providing a college experience for students on a mission. Partnering with Southern New Hampshire University, Gateway U is committed to supporting students who have been traditionally underserved by our post-secondary system by working with students to earn their degree online while balancing work and life. Ultimately, each student’s success is Gateway U’s success. www.gatewayunewark.org
