By: Richard L. Smith
At a time when school districts across the nation are struggling to recruit and keep qualified teachers, East Orange is taking matters into its own hands. 
According to information released by East Orange School District officials, the city is investing directly in its school community by helping longtime teacher assistants become certified educators through a groundbreaking initiative known as the Beyond the Bell – EOSD Educator Pathway Program.
Thirty teacher assistants are expected to begin their journey toward certification this year as part of the district’s first cohort.
The initiative, created in partnership with Drew University and BloomBoard, gives employees the opportunity to complete their degrees and earn certification while continuing to serve students in East Orange classrooms.
A kickoff celebration honoring these educators will take place at the Board of Education meeting on September 23.
Superintendent Dr. Christopher C. Irving said the program is more than just professional development — it’s about building long-term strength in the community.
“This is a game-changer for East Orange,” Irving said. “It allows us to take the talented people who already dedicate themselves to our students and give them the tools to grow into fully certified teachers. They don’t have to choose between their jobs, their families, and their education. Everyone wins — our staff, our students, and our schools.”
The program offers two pathways. Employees with associate’s degrees can complete a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Drew University in just two years through a flexible apprenticeship model, funded in part by a state GAINS grant.
For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree, an alternate route provides an accelerated track to certification, with tuition partially supported by a paraprofessional grant from the state Department of Education.
What makes the program unique is its on-the-job design.
Staff apply what they learn directly in their own classrooms, guided by coaching and mentorship.
Leaders from Drew University praised the effort, noting that it blends academic rigor with practical experience in a way that benefits schools across New Jersey.
In return for subsidized tuition, participants commit to continue serving the district for at least three years after completing the program, a move that ensures East Orange students will benefit from consistent, dedicated educators.
“This kind of forward-thinking partnership strengthens schools not just for today, but for the future,” said Dr. Kristen Turner, Professor of Teacher Education at Drew University.
Officials said East Orange is the largest district in New Jersey to embrace this approach, positioning itself as a model for other communities looking to overcome teacher shortages.
District staff interested in future cohorts can contact East Orange’s Labor Relations & Employment Services department, while BloomBoard and Drew University are already recruiting participants for the next semester.