Paraprofessionals working in Camden, New Jersey will now have the opportunity to earn their teaching certificates for free through Rowan’s new partnership, Teach Camden. Paraprofessionals are defined as instructional aids and teacher’s assistants. The current program is made up of 19 fellows. 

Around a year ago, Dean of the College of Education Gaëtane Jean-Marie sat down with the superintendent of the Camden school district and Rowan’s partners to talk about what Rowan could do to address the teacher shortage and aid Camden during this time. 

“They had shared at the time in September of last year, they had several vacancies yet the school year had already begun, and from the discussion also, they shared with us that they have a number of teachers, paraprofessionals, paraeducators, who have a bachelor’s degree but don’t have certification to teach, and this provided an opportunity to introduce the Teach Camden initiative,” Jean-Marie said. 

To join the program, paraprofessionals must be chosen by their district, as they are interested in individuals already working in the Camden community. The district is funding the education of the paraprofessionals, and upon their certification, they commit to teaching in the district for five years. 

Dean Jean-Marie explained that the College of Education has embarked on similar projects before, such as MOCHA, the Males of Color Hope Achievers Program. MOCHA is meant to help men of color enter the teaching field. 

Dean Jean-Marie emphasized the importance of professionals entering the industry at this time. 

“They are needed. Teachers are essential to everyone’s life, because it begins in school in many ways, from family to school. So we want committed, connected individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of young people and across different spectrums,” said Jean-Marie. 

Grace McFadden, a junior elementary education major, reflected on the teacher shortage. 

“I feel like it’s very unfortunate, but it seems to be, like, categorized as a dying profession. So teachers are kind of unhappy with a lot of things going on in the system. So I feel like they’re just leaving the profession,” McFadden said. 

Brooke Seibel, a junior inclusive elementary education major, pointed out how people view the profession, calling it a “dying career.” 

“We’re always going to have teachers, but like, everyone is pushing people that want to be teachers away from it, even though they obviously shouldn’t be,” Seibel said. 

As for the Teach Camden program, McFadden noted the pros and cons that could arise for new teachers. For example, Camden may not be their ideal district to work in and they may not receive benefits or tenure. 

“But I think it’s awesome that they’ll be able to work in the school, and they’re gonna get plenty of experience in that district from my knowledge, I could be wrong, but needs the added support,” McFadden said. 

As for what the future holds, Jean-Marie wants to take this program throughout New Jersey. 

“So Rowan, in terms of the next, I say, what’s the next step? Teach, put the name of the district in there. We certainly are looking to partner with other districts, whether it’s Salem or Trenton, Atlantic,” said Jean-Marie. 

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