Rowan expands pathways into education careers with seven registered apprenticeship programs

Rowan University's College of Education announced seven U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs designed to help address educator shortages, strengthen school district partnerships and create new pathways into teaching and school leadership careers across New Jersey during the University's second annual Superintendent's Summer Convening on July 15.

The new apprenticeship programs allow participants to earn credentials while working in schools by combining academic coursework, on-the-job training and mentorship. The seven approved programs include K–12 Teacher, Early Childhood Educator, Principal, Tutor, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher, Elementary Educator and Lead Teacher.

"Universities prepare educators, but school districts shape them into professionals," said Gaëtane Jean-Marie, dean of Rowan's College of Education. "Together, we share responsibility for recruiting, preparing, supporting and retaining the next generation of teachers and school leaders."

Jean-Marie said the programs represent a new approach to educator preparation that intentionally connects learning with professional practice while expanding access to the profession and reducing barriers for aspiring educators. She noted that the announcement builds on Rowan's existing partnerships with South Jersey school districts and their combined efforts to develop a strong, diverse educator workforce.

The initiative also builds on Rowan's participation in the New Jersey Department of Labor's GAINS program. Through more than $900,000 in grant funding, Rowan's Teach South Jersey program is supporting 76 aspiring educators from more than 20 South Jersey school districts as they pursue teacher certification through apprenticeship pathways.

Chancellor Tony Lowman said the apprenticeship model reflects the University's commitment to evolving higher education to meet workforce needs.

"We need trained, skilled leaders who can think critically in all disciplines," Lowman said.

Traditionally associated with skilled trades, apprenticeship programs are increasingly being adopted in fields such as education, healthcare and technology. Lowman said Rowan has embraced that evolution by developing workforce-focused pathways that connect academic preparation directly to professional experience.

"I love that we're first," Lowman said, praising the College of Education and its partners for pioneering these opportunities that will benefit not only districts represented at the convening but school systems throughout New Jersey.

Michael Blatt, state director of the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship, said the programs offer a practical solution to persistent staffing challenges facing schools.

"We know the challenges. Vacancies persist," Blatt said. "And when filled, new educators enter classrooms without enough mentored practice."

Blatt said apprentices are hired and paid while receiving structured mentorship and classroom experience, creating a more seamless pathway into the profession. He pointed to examples such as paraprofessionals completing certification requirements while continuing to serve their districts and future teachers preparing to work in communities where they already have deep roots.

"These are the things that registered apprenticeships can accomplish. These are the things that I know Rowan will accomplish with this program," Blatt said.

New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Lily Laux called the initiative a "bright spot" amid ongoing efforts to strengthen educator recruitment and preparation across the state.

"I've been trying to look for bright spots, and it's easy to find lots of exciting bright spots here in New Jersey," Laux said.

She praised the program's emphasis on creative problem-solving and its focus on helping aspiring educators earn credentials while gaining valuable workplace experience.

The announcement also received recognition from state leaders through a proclamation presented on behalf of Assemblywoman Heather Simmons.

Julie Diaz, deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor, said the apprenticeship model has become a cornerstone of the state's workforce-development strategy.

"When most people hear apprenticeships, they think of construction sites or factory floors," Diaz said. "But it's a powerful training tool that works across every sector of our economy, including education."

Diaz noted that New Jersey has invested $125 million in apprenticeship and work-based learning programs since 2018, contributing to a 175% increase in apprenticeship opportunities statewide and supporting approximately 11,000 active apprentices.

"These apprenticeship programs aren't just filling open positions," Diaz said. "They're fundamentally changing who can become a teacher or a school leader. They’re opening doors for people who’ve been locked out of the profession because the traditional way wasn’t designed for them."

The apprenticeship announcement preceded Rowan's second annual Superintendent's Summer Convening, which brought together leaders from school districts across South Jersey to discuss educator preparation, workforce needs and emerging opportunities for collaboration. The convening is part of an ongoing effort by College of Education to strengthen partnerships with regional school districts.

Closing the announcement, Jean-Marie emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort.

"We're coming together around innovation, collaboration and intentional partnerships," she said. "It really takes the collective to help us address the challenges we're facing."