Teacher Apprenticeship Network to Fired NJ Federal Workers: Educators Needed in Classrooms

New Jersey’s Teacher Apprenticeship Network (TAN) today called on fired New Jersey federal workers to consider stepping into classrooms as valued and respected educators and making a difference in the lives of children.

‍TAN, which offers a pathway into the teacher profession for aspiring Garden State educators, is urging terminated workers to continue their public service in classrooms through the nonprofit organization’s certification program. TAN also called on other nonprofits and public and private sectors to address the hiring challenges now faced by the laid off workers.

‍“We encourage New Jersey residents terminated in the ongoing federal layoffs to continue their public service and join the teacher workforce,” said Kwamé Floyd, TAN’s founder and ExecutiveDirector. “Those who work in public service deserve our appreciation and thanks, and TAN is ready to support those whose careers were cut short.”

‍For years, the state has had difficulties in training, recruiting and retaining teachers, and proposed federal cuts are adding fuel to the fire. The problem is most acute in underserved communities.

‍Teacher apprenticeships are on-the-job training opportunities, which remove the economic barrier for applicants and provide a cost-effective avenue for districts to bring aspiring teachers into the classrooms.

‍TAN will work with applicants to match with a partnering school district. For more information about TAN’s program and to apply for a teacher apprenticeship: www.iWant2Teach.org

Teacher Apprenticeship Network is a nonprofit organization founded in 2023 to offer a practical and supportive pathway into the teacher profession and remove barriers. TAN’s approach provides mentorship and rigorous academic preparation along with hands-on classroom experience. The goal is to build a teacher pipeline that meets the needs of children in today’s classrooms and future generations.