By: Richard L. Smith
The New Jersey Department of Education has announced $800,000 in funding for the New Jersey Teacher Apprenticeship Program, aimed at helping paraprofessionals and classroom aides become certified teachers.
The initiative, supported by the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget, seeks to streamline the path to certification by covering costs such as tuition, books, and training.
Ramapo College and Rutgers University in New Brunswick will each receive $400,000 to collaborate with eight school districts and educational institutions, with oversight provided by the state Departments of Education and Labor & Workforce Development.
“This program breaks down barriers for paraprofessionals and classroom aides who have already demonstrated their passion for education,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
“It will strengthen our teacher workforce and ensure quality education for New Jersey’s students.”
Participants in the program can earn teaching certification within two to four years, depending on their experience.
The program prioritizes addressing shortages in critical fields such as special education, STEM, bilingual education, and English as a second language.
Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, “This apprenticeship program helps paraprofessionals overcome hurdles like tuition costs, enabling them to achieve their goal of becoming licensed teachers while meeting the urgent need for educators in our schools.” 
The program is part of broader efforts by the Murphy administration to address teacher shortages, including recent legislation allowing classroom experience to count toward certification and additional grants for paraprofessional programs in high-need districts like Paterson and Passaic City.