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In an effort to address the national teacher shortage, ������ý���� is partnering with the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District to offer a new program that supports school district support staff employees becoming teachers. 

Through the Pathways to Teaching program, eligible West Windsor-Plainsboro Service Association (WWPSA) employees, including instructional assistants, cafeteria aides, custodians, bus drivers, secretaries and other support staff, can receive tuition assistance for the completion of a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field and/or a teaching certificate.

 “We are excited to announce our new partnership with ������ý���� that will provide our instructional assistants and support staff with the opportunity to transition into certified staff members,” noted Dr. David Aderhold, superintendent of schools at West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. “These employees provide essential services that have a significant and positive impact on our students and the larger school community. By offering this program, we aim to not only benefit our employees but also strengthen the district's robust and diverse teaching staff, and the quality of education in our community.”

“I’m very excited about this partnership,” says Dr. Jason Barr, dean of ������ý����’s College of Education and Human Services. “West Windsor-Plainsboro (WWP) has always supported our teachers-in-training and hired many of our graduates. This is a wonderful opportunity to expand that partnership by offering high-quality teacher training to the WWP support staff, teacher aides and other service professionals.”
 
Additionally, employees of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District and their immediate family members may be eligible for a 20% tuition reduction through ������ý����'s partnership with The State of New Jersey.

“The financial assistance being offered through these programs will go a long way in helping those who might not have been able to afford to become a teacher otherwise,” says Barr. “We’re proud of the long-term investment that both ������ý���� and West Windsor-Plainsboro are making in the teaching profession as a whole.”
 
������ý���� is committed to supporting future educators by lowering the barriers to enter the field. Beginning in the fall 2023 semester, the University will offer a $2,000 annual scholarship for eligible incoming first year and transfer undergraduate education majors. The University has also been coordinating with school districts to help create “grow your own'' programs that would help teacher aides and other paraprofessionals obtain a bachelor’s degree and then complete the University’s alternate route teaching certificate program. 

The College of Education and Human Services’ small class sizes, extensive teacher preparation programs and numerous fieldwork experiences ensure students are highly prepared for their future careers. Among 2021 ������ý���� education graduates, 100% were employed full-time or continuing their education. 

To learn more about the Pathways to Teaching program, visit rider.edu/wwpsa.