Trenton – Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D- Essex) and Senate Majority Whip Troy Singleton (D- Burlington) issued the following statement today after the announcement of the New Jersey Department of Education and Rowan University’s ‘Men of Color Hope Achievers’ partnership program, which implements legislation they spearheaded in the 2018-2019 Legislative Session:

“Research shows that increasing the number of educators of color in our classrooms can have a positive impact on the academic success of all students. If we can help create more diversity within our teaching ranks while meeting the needs of our chronically challenged schools, this will be a win for everyone. For many students, seeing educators that look like them allows them to remain interested in learning and encouraged to consider teaching in the future. It is critical that we address the widening teacher diversity gap here in our state and the Men of Color Hope Achievers program is just the beginning. The program will be a great way to help an underrepresented portion of our population find a solid, stable career path while serving as positive role models for students in our underserved communities.”