One hundred and sixty recent college graduates and mid-career professionals are recruited as teacher candidates, particularly from underrepresented groups, for mathematics, science, special education, and bilingual/ESL teaching shortages. Kean University's Center for Recruitment, Retention, and Reform of Teacher Education recruits, prepares, and retains educators; reforms and strengthens PDS learning communities; develops extensive and intensive clinical experiences; extends professional development opportunities; and offers support to project participants during the first three years of teaching.

One hundred and seventy new teachers are being recruited, prepared and mentored in mathematics, science, and special education classrooms in high-need urban districts following an eight-week summer experience through this program. Recent college graduates and career-changing professionals are recruited and prepared to be effective urban educators. An urban summer teaching internship, intensive mentoring throughout the first year of service, on-going coursework, an interface with Master's degree programs at consortium universities, open access to an online beginning teacher network, and an onsite peer coaching and buddy system for years two and three of service are included. Graduate credits earned in the program can be folded into a Master's program at any of the four participating IHEs.