How the Teacher Apprentice Network Supports ParaPreppED’s Goals

Teacher apprenticeship programs help educators reach their full potential.

Created to address the national teacher shortage, these custom programs encourage substitute teachers and paraprofessionals to pursue teacher certification and full-time employment.

School support staff are motivated individuals. Nearly all substitute teachers are dedicated to staying in K-12 education, and paraprofessionals want more out of their careers, with many saying they are not satisfied with the opportunities available.

Certification, however, often takes extra time and has associated costs. Popping up as a solution are teacher apprenticeship programs, which remove multiple barriers for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals.

An example is ParaPreppED, a registered teacher apprenticeship program supported by a $400,000 New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) grant. Awarded to Rutgers Graduate School of Education, the program supports participants through on-the-job training and makes certification free or low-cost.

Meet Kwamé Floyd, ParaPreppEd’s biggest cheerleader
 

Kwamé Floyd is instrumental to ParaPreppED’s launch and success. Founder and Executive Director of Teacher Apprenticeship Network (TAN), Floyd is passionate about making teacher certification accessible and believes on-the-job training is the best way to learn how to teach.

Floyd saw potential in Rutgers Alternate Route to help launch and lead a teacher apprenticeship program and encouraged Director Heather Ngoma to apply for the NJDOE grant. Now a trusted partner, TAN’s role is to provide essential technical support for districts seeking registered apprenticeship status, and to individuals seeking pathways into the teaching profession.

Recently, Floyd shared why his work is important and how he saw a partner in Rutgers Alternate Route.
 

Why are teacher apprenticeship programs effective?

There are many aspiring teachers wanting to get into the classrooms and make a difference in the lives of students. But the financial aspect is a barrier and they remain in another type of job. A participant in a teacher apprenticeship program doesn't have to choose between keeping a job or becoming a teacher. This is on-the-job training.

How will New Jersey benefit from these programs?

The path to becoming a teacher is complicated and expensive. There are hundreds who want to become a teacher and can't figure it out. Teacher apprenticeship programs provide an easy pathway and gives participants the necessary training and support.

How does hands-on, in-the-field training (pre-certification) benefit teachers in the long run?

Simply put, the best way to learn how to teach is to teach. Their confidence and competence grows as they develop their skills and navigate the challenges of the profession.

We know teacher shortages are a big challenge right now. What are some challenges you see that fly under the radar? Are any challenges unique to the state?

The state's certification process is expensive and is a barrier to many aspiring teachers. The hundreds of dollars in fees for tests are just not affordable for many talented New Jersey residents.

What did you see in Rutgers Alternate Route as a solid partner that can rise to the occasion?

For years, the Rutgers Alternate Route has provided an affordable, high quality and flexible option for aspiring teachers. This is in the same spirit as TAN's approach.

What was the motivation behind applying for the grant?

Teacher apprenticeships are an employer-driven initiative and the grant provides an example of what partnerships should look like when you marry the workforce with teaching talent.

How did it feel when you learned Rutgers GSE was chosen for the grant?

I was excited for the opportunity to provide a practical and supportive pathway for New Jersey teachers.
 

What do you hope to accomplish with ParaPreppED?

There are hundreds of aspiring teachers and we will provide a pathway for those who have been waiting perhaps for years to achieve their dreams.

ParaPreppED is a win for both TAN and Rutgers Alternate Route. What other wins has TAN seen in the past year?

We've had over 200 applicants in the first six months of operation, which indicates that New Jersey residents want to answer the call to become teachers. This tremendous show of interest is also an indication that TAN is providing a barrier-free pathway for talented leaders to enter our classrooms.

Preparing substitute teachers and paraprofessionals for their next step

ParaPreppED is driven by the expressed interests of district leaders who wish to identify overlooked or hidden teaching talent among eligible paraprofessionals and substitutes the district can support to fill teaching vacancies, including those in Special Education, Science and Math, and English as a Second Language or Bilingual Education.

Overall, the program aims to:

• Increase the number of Registered Teacher Apprenticeships in the state;
• Expand the teacher pipeline, leveraging the existing district talent;
• Address barriers for aspiring teachers through targeted support like Praxis prep; and
• Conduct and disseminate ongoing research on the implementation and impact of the initiative.

“Investment in these professionals is not only a moral imperative, but it is also our most viable path to saving the teaching profession,” Floyd said.

If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter and sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter for more information and stories from the field of education.