Paraprofessionals from the Camden City School District and Rowan University gathered Monday to celebrate the launch of Teach Camden. The program is designed to create a pathway for paraprofessionals —usually instructional aides and/or teacher’s assistants — to earn credits to become a teacher while still working within the school district.
The free program — a collaboration between the Camden City School District and Rowan University — is part of efforts to recruit and retain teachers, of which there is a major shortage nationwide. It’s financed by the district’s general fund; the district is also exploring grant funding.
According to a 2023 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, 86% of U.S. K-12 public schools reported challenges hiring teachers for the 2023-2024 school year, with 83% reporting difficulties also in hiring for non-teaching positions such as classroom aides, transportation staff and mental health professionals.
“What’s so great about this is that we customized this program to meet the needs of paraprofessionals in the city of Camden,” said Camden City School District Superintendent Katrina McCombs. “Tutors are provided, office support is necessary, so they are able to hopefully in the next 18 months … earn their teacher certification and be teachers in our schools. They just have to commit five years.”
