Conferences have long been vital hubs for professional networking, idea exchange, and career development. In recent years, the landscape of professional development has undergone a significant transformation, breaking down geographical barriers and opening up unprecedented opportunities for educators. New Jersey-based teachers now have the ability to participate in events not just within the state, but across the country and around the world.

Travel and study programs recognize this unique opportunity to engage educators in one-of-a-kind professional development opportunities—many far from home. These excursions all have the purpose of expanding educators’ horizons so they may expand multicultural learning in the classroom.

It is beneficial for New Jersey to invest in STEM teachers because there is a heightened need to close demographic gaps and meet the demands of a growing STEM workforce. Read on to learn why STEM educators are so important to student learning, confidence and success.

Kwamé 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.

Eliminating the Praxis Core basic skills barrier is one example of how New Jersey leadership has stepped up to address the teacher shortage at home. Others include forming scholarships for student teachers, creating a task force and implementing three annual job fairs hosted by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).