| Grantee Name: | William Paterson University of New Jersey |
| Project Name: | The New Vistas Teacher Project |
| Co-Project Directors: | Dr. Ana Maria Schuhmann 973-720-2137 Dr. Susan Polirstok 908-737-3750 |
| Partner Districts/LEAs: | East Orange Public Schools, Elizabeth Public Schools, and Paterson Public Schools |
The New Vistas Teacher Project creates a sustainable design for dual certification and induction support for recent college graduates and mid-career professionals turned teacher candidates. A total of 220 teachers (55 teachers a year) in the areas of special education, ESL, bilingual, mathematics, and science will be recruited, prepared, certified and supported. Teachers will receive specialized preparation in teaching English Language Learners as well as special needs students using 21st century technologies. Instruction will feature an online format to allow flexibility of scheduling coursework and offer the opportunity for candidates to build a technological community of sharing. Emphasizing the IHE’s experience with the Professional Development School model, partner school districts will gain a dependable supply of meticulously selected, well-trained candidates in the most difficult to staff teaching areas. Partner universities will produce a statewide program that is technologically focused and results-driven that successfully addresses teacher recruitment, preparation, and support.