William Paterson University’s Aspiring Educators program has been awarded a $583,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Office of Apprenticeship’s Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education program. The funding will support a major expansion of this innovative initiative aimed at building a diverse pipeline of future K-12 teachers, expanding instruction year-round from summer.
Now in its fifth year, the Aspiring Educators program introduces high school students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—to the teaching profession through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
Financial support for Aspiring Educators has also come from the New Jersey Education Association, federal grants, participating school districts, and area businesses.
“This is a one-of-a-kind program that addresses two urgent challenges in New Jersey: the teacher shortage and the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the field,” says David Fuentes, program founder and associate dean of William Paterson’s College of Education.
During the summer, participants split their day between taking a college-level course on WP’s campus and working as teaching assistants in either the university’s Summer Youth Program or Paterson Public Schools’ Extended School Year program.
They work with certified teachers in implementing free math and literacy enrichment activities for local elementary students on campus, gaining valuable teaching experience while helping younger learners thrive.
The aspiring educators receive a $2,000 stipend, earn resume-building credentials, and complete a three-credit WP education course—all before graduating high school.
“Great K-12 outcomes require teacher experience,” Fuentes says. “Teaching is both a science and an art.”
Because of the new grant, the Aspiring Educators program will now run year-round. Rising high school juniors and seniors will be able to take three WP education courses during the summer, fall, and spring semesters—earning nine transferable college credits.
The funding will also:
- Provide a living-wage stipend, enabling students to prioritize coursework and vocational skill building over other part-time jobs
- Supply free laptops preloaded with educator tools
- Offer access to a virtual wellness coach and wellness resources to help students manage social and emotional stressors
“We’ve learned that cultivating future teachers means addressing the barriers they face—many of which are social and emotional,” Fuentes adds.
This year, the program is serving 64 students from seven partner high schools: Bloomfield, Clifton, Passaic, Paterson, Haledon, Dover, and Manchester Regional.
“Pre-apprenticeship programs are vital in bridging the gap between education and the workforce, equipping participants with essential skills and experience to excel in their careers,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.
