New ‘Teacher Pathway Program’ Launches In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Education nonprofit Gateway U recently announced the launch of a program that will help put more local teachers into the pipeline – and hopefully into Newark’s schools.

According to a news release, Gateway U’s “Teacher Pathway Program” will break down barriers to becoming a licensed teacher by providing access to an “accelerated and affordable” bachelor's degree, along with ongoing mentorship to ensure certification.

Students will be supported in achieving their degrees and completing teaching certification requirements, including the Praxis exam. Gateway U will offer ongoing, one-on-one counseling throughout the process, including at its in-person student center in downtown Newark.

The first available cohort for the initiative will begin in October. Local paraprofessionals and degree-seeking school staff interested in participating can email teacherpathway@gatewayunewark.org to apply for the program. Learn more here.

“As a Newark native who has been part of this community for a long time, our commitment at Gateway U is to lift our city – by investing in the people who know it best and love it most,” Gateway U executive director Saymah Nah said.

“Gateway U's new Teacher Pathway Program will ensure that Newark will be able to recruit and hire teachers locally, providing teaching jobs to current local school staff, and creating more classrooms with educators who are deeply connected and committed to the city,” Nah said.

“Having gone through the training and certification firsthand, I know the challenges and saw great candidates here in Newark fall through the cracks,” recalled DeAndre Gray, a teacher at Newark's Achieve Community Charter School.

“For good reason, it is tough to become a teacher in New Jersey, but that process and the cost should never exclude good, passionate, and local candidates from fulfilling their dream to serve our children and families,” Gray added.

According to Gateway U:

“Thanks to efforts by Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz and Senator Renee Burgess, needed funding for the Teacher Pathway Program was provided in the FY24 State Budget. Additional funding for the initiative was provided by the New Jersey Children's Foundation, Community Foundation of New Jersey, and Panasonic Foundation. These funds will support one-on-one coaching, provide exam preparation resources, and cover certification fees for participants in need.”

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