Breaking Barriers, Building Educators: A Bold New Partnership with Kean University
At Foundation Academies, we are proud to be trailblazers, and our latest collaboration marks a major milestone in the mission to diversify and strengthen New Jersey’s teaching workforce.
We are excited to announce a first-of-its-kind partnership with Kean University’s College of Education Alternate Route Office. This new agreement creates a direct pathway for individuals currently holding a CE (Certificate of Eligibility), and those looking to obtain a CE, to complete their provisional teaching year at Foundation Academies while earning their certification through Kean’s respected Alternate Route Program.
The concept for this innovative program was created by Foundation Academies’ Senior Director of External Strategic Partnerships, John Paxton Jr., as part of our effort to break down systemic barriers to the teaching profession.
We are grateful to our partners at Kean University for supporting Foundation Academies’ vision and helping make it a reality. Special thanks go to Dean Dr. Sancha Gray for her leadership and openness to new ideas, to Dr. Meredith Riddle, Acting Director of Teacher Certification and Alternate Route Programs, for her expertise and thoughtful collaboration throughout this process, and to Sonia Irizarry for her valuable input.
This partnership is more than just a professional development opportunity. It is a reimagined approach to teacher preparation that removes traditional barriers and opens the door to paraprofessionals and adult learners who dream of becoming educators. By making certification more accessible, we are not only helping individuals build fulfilling careers in education, but also addressing teacher shortages in a sustainable, community-rooted way.
Participants in the program will benefit from flexible virtual coursework through Kean Global and gain real-world teaching experience in Foundation Academies classrooms. They will be able to pursue credentials aligned with their passions while contributing to student learning every day. This model empowers aspiring teachers to grow into confident, qualified educators who are equipped to meet the needs of diverse learners.
The true impact of this work goes beyond the individuals in the program. As more dedicated educators enter the classroom, the ripple effect will be felt in the lives of countless students. Future scholars will benefit from teachers who bring both lived experience and rigorous training into their practice. By investing in adult learners today, we are shaping more equitable, inspiring classrooms for tomorrow.
