Compendium of K-12 Educator Pipeline Programs: Northeast Region

K-12 Teacher Academy Pathway

This CTE pathway program for high school students provides classroom instruction on foundational education topics and hands-on work-based learning experiences in the classroom for students to develop and use essential competencies for today’s educators. This program is offered at four high schools across Delaware and partners with Delaware Technical Community College to provide college-level coursework in education.

Nonprofit organization

Led by: Delaware Pathways

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: This program builds a sense of prestige and aspiration for high school students by offering opportunities to visit university campuses, engage with education faculty and current education majors, and experience campus life firsthand.
• Hands-on learning experiences: This program offers several work-based learning opportunities through mentorship, school-based observations, year-long teaching internships, lesson planning, and onsite early learning labs.

Future Teachers of Maine Summer Institute

The Future Teachers of Maine Summer Institute provides rising high school seniors with a focused summer experience to explore the teaching profession. Participants engage in education coursework and hands-on learning designed to introduce them to the foundations of teaching and spark interest in future careers in education. During the summer of 2024, 34 students participated in the institute, and 93% of participants were likely to enter a teacher preparation program after high school.

Higher education institution

Led by: University of New England

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: The summer intensive format makes the program accessible and convenient for students, without requiring a year-long commitment.

Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy

The Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy prepares high school students to become future educators and return to teach in their local community schools. Beginning in 11th grade, students enroll in dual-credit education courses through Montclair State University. The program combines college-level coursework and early classroom experience with a structured pathway that leads to teacher certification and a guaranteed teaching position within the district upon completion.

Since Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy started in 2019-20, the program has graduated four cohorts of 95 students. Over 90% of graduates plan to pursue secondary education.

District

Led by: Newark Public Schools

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Students who complete the program and earn their teaching certification will have a guaranteed teaching contract with the district with a full salary.
• Hands-on learning experiences: Participants shadow elementary teachers and other school personnel, eventually working in district classrooms with students.

Partnering in Raising Inclusive Zealous Educators program (PRIZE)

The Parterning in Raising Inclusive Zealous Educators (PRIZE) program at West Chester University is a grow-your-own teacher initiative supporting high school juniors and seniors from partner districts in exploring careers in education. Students earn up to seven college credits through tuition-free dual enrollment in WCU education courses and receive mentorship from current education majors. The program includes a one-week Summer Teacher Academy and offers guaranteed admission to WCU’s teacher prep program for students who meet academic benchmarks.

PRIZE aims to diversify the educator workforce and strengthen retention by preparing students to return as teachers in their home communities. The program currently partners with over a dozen districts and is expanding in 2025-26. The program is grant-funded to help cover costs and provide stipends to students during student teaching. Since its inception in 2024, the program has had 60 participants working with 12+ districts in the Greater Philadelphia area and surrounding regions.

Higher education institution

Led by: West Chester University

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: The PRIZE program is grant-funded and provides stipends to students while covering course costs. This financial support reduces barriers by making participation more affordable and accessible.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Students can take college courses at no cost, reducing the time required to complete their degree. Qualified students are also guaranteed admission to WCU’s teacher preparation program.

Future Educators Certificate of Competency

The Future Educators Certificate of Competency program is designed to mirror a college-style cohort experience, allowing high school juniors to earn up to 38 college credits at Delaware County Community College at no cost. Students take courses in subjects such as early childhood development, psychology, adolescent development, and English composition. The program also includes fieldwork in local school classrooms.

Higher education institution

Led by: Delaware County Community College

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: Students have the option to take one year or two years of credits, creating a stepping stone first before fully committing.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Students can earn up to 38 college credits at no cost, reducing the time to completion for a full degree.
• Hands-on learning experiences: Students complete field work in their local school classroom.

Future Educators High School Career Pathway

This district-led education pathway gives high school students an opportunity to complete dual credit courses and have hands-on experiences in the classroom. Students can take two dual enrollment courses through a local university: Introduction to Teaching and Learning and Principles of Teaching and Learning.

District

Led by: Bethlehem Area School District

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Students can take two dual-credit education courses through a local university, which are transferable to an education degree.
• Hands-on learning experiences: Students complete mini-internships and rotate through different grade levels, allowing them to understand the unique instructional needs of various age groups and explore teaching across multiple grade bands. Additionally, students can complete an extra Preschool Lab course where they plan lessons and work in preschool classrooms.

CT Teacher Residency Program (TRP)

The CT Teacher Residency Program (TRP) offers a pathway for non-education college graduates to earn their teacher certification. The program prioritizes preparing teachers of color to serve their local communities and meet critical staffing needs in areas like elementary education, special education, and middle school math.

Nonprofit organization

Led by: Teach Connecticut

Best-practice criteria

• Program alignment with district priorities: This program focuses on teachers of color in the community and high need areas (e.g., elementary education, special education, and middle school math).

Alternative Routes to Certification Program

This two-year program supports working adults who want to earn their teaching license while continuing to work full-time. Upon admission, participants work at local districts with an emergency teaching certification while taking courses.

Higher education institution

Led by: University of Delaware

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants work as full-time employees and receive salary and benefits while taking classes and earning their teaching license.

Delaware Transition to Teaching Partnership (DT3P)

The Delaware Transition to Teaching Partnership (DT3P) is a year-long residency program that offers robust coursework and hands-on learning in the classroom to support participants in earning their credential in critical shortage areas (e.g., science, math, and special education) and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Higher education institution

Led by: University of Delaware, Delaware Technical Community College

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants have the option to earn dual certification with special education certification.
• Program alignment with district priorities: The program addresses district shortages in content areas and is designed in collaboration with local schools.

Educator Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP)

The Educator Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) supports district staff to earn their bachelor degree and certification through on-the-job training and classroom instruction. It focuses on early childhood education and special education, delivered in collaboration with Promise Early Education Center to address district needs. As of June 2025, 36 apprentices have completed the program.

Higher education institution

Led by: University of Southern Maine, University of Maine at Farmington

Best-practice criteria

• Program alignment with district priorities: This program targets early childhood education and special education in collaboration with Promise Early Education Center in response to district needs.

Teacher Licensure Program

The Teacher Licensure Program enables district staff and paraeducators to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in either Elementary Education (with K-6 teaching licensure) or Special Education (with licensure to teach students ages 5-21), helping school systems meet local staffing needs.

Higher education institution

Led by: University of Southern Maine, University of Maine at Farmington

Best-practice criteria

• Program alignment with district priorities: This program provides certification areas that address urgent district vacancies.

Educator Fast Track Program

The Educator Fast Track program offers participants a pathway to earn a special education certificate and an associate’s degree in teacher education. After completing both, participants can transfer to Plymouth State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and become fully certified teachers.

Higher education institution

Led by: Plymouth State University

Best-practice criteria

• Program alignment with district priorities: This program focuses on special education certification to meet district needs.

Paraprofessional to Teacher pathway

The Paraprofessional to Teacher pathway program enables paraprofessionals from Wayne Township Public Schools to earn a bachelor’s degree and their teaching certification, with hands-on learning opportunities at the district.

Higher education institution

Led by: Montclair State University

Best-practice criteria

• Program alignment with district priorities: This program provides hands-on training in district classrooms to embed participants in the culture and learn district-specific practices.

Gateway to Teaching Program

The Gateway to Teaching Program is a school-led program that supports participants in earning a B.A. in Communications to build transferable skills and teaching certification. While in the program, participants receive a limited teaching certification to work while completing the program.

District

Led by: Great Oaks Charter School

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants receive a limited teaching certification that allows them to work in a school district throughout the program and earn student teaching hours.

Educator Apprenticeship Program

This state-funded apprenticeship program allows aspiring teachers to complete education coursework and clinical experience simultaneously.

State

Led by: Virginia Department of Education

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: This program offers an “earn while they learn” structure so participants earn a full salary while completing the program.