Kean University and Middlesex College Form Partnership To Address Teacher Shortage
The agreement allows students in certain early education programs to move from the two-year school to bachelor’s programs at the four-year institution.
Kean University and Middlesex College struck a partnership deal on Feb. 4. This creates a transfer path for education students. The agreement allows students in certain early education programs to move from the two-year school to bachelor's programs at the four-year institution.
Three degree paths opened up through this collaboration: elementary education K-6 with an endorsement in teaching students with disabilities, early childhood education P-3 with that same endorsement, and elementary education with Bilingual Education Certification K-6. To qualify, students need a 3.0 GPA at minimum.
New Jersey faces a shortage of teachers. This partnership tackles that problem by tearing down transfer barriers and cutting credit loss, delays, and costs for students who want certification. Faculty and administrators from both institutions worked together to match up curriculum standards and expectations.
"Middlesex College is thrilled for this partnership with Kean University, making it smoother than ever for our education students to achieve their goals," said Mark McCormick, president of the community college, according to NJBIZ.com. "Providing accessibility and support to our students is essential to our mission, and we look forward to this agreement benefiting so many of our students in their journey to become educators."
Lamont Repollet leads the Union-based institution. He explained how the formalized partnership builds an equitable pathway for students transitioning from associate to baccalaureate degrees.
"By formalizing this partnership with Middlesex College, we are 'anchoring down' to create a seamless, equitable pathway for students to transition from associate to baccalaureate degrees without the traditional barriers of cost or credit loss," said Repollet. "We are proud to stand with Middlesex College to strengthen our region's workforce pipeline and ensure that the next generation of innovators and changemakers has a direct route to a world-class education at Kean."
Dionne Miller serves as vice president of Academic Affairs at the community college. She described how this partnership builds a clear path that cuts uncertainty while saving time and money for education students.
"Most importantly, it affirms our shared commitment to preparing future educators who are well equipped to serve our schools and communities," said Miller.
Many education students from the community college already choose the Union university. Now the streamlined pathway will boost the region's education workforce.
