NJ Now: Teacher Apprenticeship Network

Our Founder and Executive Director, Kwamé Floyd, was recently featured on FOX 5/My9's "New Jersey Now" to discuss the state's teacher shortage and Teacher Apprenticeship Network's (TAN) innovative solution.

New Jersey is facing a serious teacher shortage—and it’s not a new problem. For over a decade, the number of people entering the teaching profession has been steadily declining. In fact, there’s been a 40% drop in teacher candidates over the past ten years. This fall alone, schools across the state are expected to face 2,000 to 3,000 teacher vacancies, many in high-need districts.

So, what’s behind this ongoing shortage? A combination of factors: salaries haven’t kept up with inflation, stress and burnout from pandemic-era teaching still linger, and many veteran teachers are retiring. Meanwhile, fewer young people are pursuing education as a career path.

But Teacher Apprenticeship Network is a nonprofit organization is offering a fresh, innovative solution.

Led by Executive Director, Kwamé Floyd, the organization introduces a “earn while you learn” model that opens the door for career changers to become certified educators. Instead of going back to college full-time for a costly four-year degree, participants can now earn a salary while working in schools as paraprofessionals, tutors, or substitute teachers—all while working toward certification.

This approach isn’t just more affordable—it’s more inclusive. It allows people already embedded in the community, many of whom already support schools in various roles, to step into full-time teaching positions. The program also brings real-world experience into the classroom, enriching student learning in new ways.

As Mark Bonamo put it, the Teacher Apprenticeship Network offers a cost-effective, accessible pathway to help passionate individuals transition into education—and help address the state’s teacher crisis head-on.

To watch the full interview visit: https://www.my9nj.com/video/1666776

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