Preparing New Jersey’s next generation of teachers: Rowan hosts Future Teacher Preparation & Career Day

“Prepare in November. Get hired in April.”

That was the motto behind Rowan University’s Future Teacher Preparation & Career Day, an event designed to help aspiring educators take the next step from college student to classroom teacher. 

Hosted by Rowan’s College of Education and Center for Employer & Early Talent Engagement, the event brought together hundreds of students, educators and school leaders for a day focused on career readiness, professional development and the evolving realities of today’s teaching profession.

Created as a bridge to the college’s annual Education Expo in April, the program provided practical guidance on everything from interviewing and resume writing to navigating emerging challenges in the classroom. Though it was designed to help seniors make the most of the spring career fair, students from every academic year, along with undecided majors exploring education careers, participated.

Addressing more than 350 students, College of Education Associate Dean Stacey Leftwich underscored the importance of the profession and the impact future educators will have on their communities.  

“Teaching is one of the most rewarding and impactful careers you can choose. Your dedication in guiding, inspiring and empowering the next generation will shape the future of our communities,” Leftwich said. 

College of Education Dean Gaëtane Jean-Marie said the event also highlighted the power of partnership in preparing future educators. 

“Preparing teachers is a shared responsibility, and the connections among our college, schools and community partners help our students move from preparation to practice with confidence and support,” said Jean-Marie. 

Panels, presentations and professional headshots

More than 50 education professionals, including superintendents, principals, classroom teachers and Rowan alumni, shared insights on education’s most pressing topics, including AI in the classroom and teacher recruitment, retention and burnout. 

Among the day’s sessions was a panel on neurodiversity and inclusion in education featuring educators who are themselves neurodivergent or have disabilities. Drawing on their personal experiences, panelists offered firsthand perspectives on fostering inclusive learning environments and supporting students with diverse needs. 

Keynote speaker Gillian Ober, 2025–2026 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, reminded students that teaching is built on collaboration and community.

“When I look back on everything I’ve done, and how I got here, and how I became the teacher that I am today, it wasn’t just me,” Ober said. “It’s all of the people around us that build us up and become part of our story.”

She encouraged students to seek out mentors and rely on one another throughout their careers.

“If there’s one thing I can leave you with today, it’s that, this job, you cannot do it alone. You have to lean on each other,” Ober said. 

Beyond the presentations and workshops, students had opportunities to put their professional skills into practice. Many participated in mock interviews, resume reviews and professional headshots, helping them prepare for future internships, student-teaching placements and employment opportunities. 

For Arnold Williams, a junior majoring in early childhood education, the mock interview sessions were among the day’s highlights. 

“I’m taking full advantage of these mock interviews. That way, when I go for my actual interview, I’m ready to go and can be as successful as I can be,” Williams said. 

Another popular stop was the First-Year Classroom Launchpad, where students browsed more than 600 donated classroom supplies and books. By the day’s end, the shelves had been cleared, with future educators eager to begin collecting resources for the classrooms they hope to one day lead. 

By the end of the day, students left with new connections, practical advice and a better understanding of what lies ahead as they prepare to enter the teaching profession.