Summer kick-off planned for innovative program preparing the next generation of educators

Irvington, NJ – April 2025 – Irvington Public Schools, in collaboration with the Teacher Apprenticeship Network (TAN), is proud to announce the receipt of a $119,000 Youth Transitions to Work (YTTW) Grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL).

This critical funding will support the launch of a new high school apprenticeship pathway that equips students with the skills and credentials to begin careers as paraprofessionals in education.

The initiative will provide 10 Irvington high school students with early exposure to careers in education through structured work-based learning, training aligned to state standards, and a clear, supported path into the classroom. The program serves as a vital first step in developing a homegrown pipeline of educators that reflects the communities they serve.

“We are excited to expand our efforts to provide meaningful career pathways for our students,” said Dr. April Vauss, Superintendent of Irvington Public Schools. “This partnership with the Teacher Apprenticeship Network represents a game-changing opportunity for our young people to build careers in education while still in high school. I am grateful for the vision and collaboration that brought this opportunity to life.”

The Teacher Apprenticeship Network, a statewide nonprofit and registered apprenticeship sponsor, supports school districts in designing and implementing sustainable teacher workforce pathways. Through this partnership, TAN will provide technical assistance, program design, and ongoing implementation support to ensure participating students gain high-quality training and a strong foundation for future teaching roles.

“This initiative reflects what we believe at TAN: every community holds the talent to staff its schools—and we must invest in that talent early,” said Kwamé Floyd, TAN Founder and Executive Director. “We’re proud to stand with Irvington Public Schools in this effort to prepare the next generation of educators starting right here in their hometown.”

The YTTW initiative is part of TAN’s broader mission to strengthen and diversify the teacher workforce across New Jersey through apprenticeship-based approaches. The program is expected to launch this summer, with student recruitment and training beginning ahead of the new school year.

FOR MORE INFO:
info@teacherapprenticeship.org
www.teacherapprenticeship.org