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).

It’s no secret that women have dominated the teaching force for decades, even centuries. And with women outpacing men in bachelor’s degrees, the gender gap in teaching only widens. How did teaching become so feminized in the first place and what can be done to close the gender gap and enhance student learning?

When Robyn Griffin graduated with a bachelor’s in education, she entered a tough market for teachers. Griffin needed another route to gain experience and get her foot into a school district, so she looked into becoming a paraprofessional. While she admits the choice was “a little disheartening,” it was an inspiring interview, a helpful teacher and a supportive school that reframed the opportunity.