Aspiring Educator's Program

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The Aspiring Educators Program (AEP) at William Paterson University is a summer initiative designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds for careers in education. Directed by the University’s College of Education, the program offers a combination of university coursework, hands-on teaching experience, and professional development opportunities. Participants spend half of their day in a career-focused course on campus, earning three college credits before they finish high school. The other half is spent applying their knowledge through hands-on teaching experiences. Through this immersive experience, students not only gain valuable academic and professional skills, but also contribute to diversifying New Jersey’s teaching workforce. Supported by local school districts, grants, and organizations like the NJEA, the program provides a unique opportunity for students to explore and pursue teaching as a profession.

Benefits

Free College Credits

Participants complete an education course, earning three transferable college credits at no cost, giving them a head start in their college careers.

Paid Clinical Experience

Students serve as teaching assistants in summer programs, either on-campus or in their local school districts, acquiring valuable, resumé-boosting hands-on experience.

Skill Building

The program helps participants build confidence in public speaking, classroom management, and relationship-building—skills that are essential for future educators.

Community

Participants join a community of peers from similar backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and receiving moral support as they prepare for careers in education.

Diversifying the Teacher Workforce

By participating in the program, students play an active role in diversifying New Jersey’s future teacher workforce, ensuring that children from all backgrounds see themselves reflected in their educators.

Application Process

Students who participate in the Aspiring Educators Program are selected by their school district’s administrators/teachers/guidance counselors. Here is an example of the application process:

1. Step 1: Communicate your wish to participate in AEP with your principal/teachers/guidance counselor.
2. Step 2: Your school district will communicate the selection and application process to interested students.
3. Step 3: If endorsed to participate, you will be asked to complete an electronic application, which includes a short essay.
4. Step 4: You may be asked to participate in a group interview with other aspiring program participants.
5. Step 5: If accepted, you will be asked to complete all admission requirements. Parent/guardian permission will also be requested.

• What is AEP?

• The Aspiring Educators Program at William Paterson University is a summer program designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in education. Participants earn three college credits through a university-level education course and gain hands-on experience by working as teaching assistants in local schools or on campus. The program helps students develop key skills like public speaking, classroom management, and leadership, all while exploring the teaching profession in a supportive environment.

• How many credits do I earn?

• You will earn three (3) college credits by taking one 6-week summer course. You must complete all coursework and adhere to the attendance policy (no more than 2 excused absences). AEP students do not pay tuition. School districts cover the cost of participating students’ tuition, so students earn three college credits for free!

• How much money do I earn?

• You will be compensated $2,000 (pre-tax) for your work as a teaching assistant, either in WP’s Summer Youth Program or in a local school district’s Extended School Year (Summer School) program.

• How do I apply?

• If interested, the first step is to speak to your guidance counselor and/or Future Educators Club advisor and express interest in the program. The application process typically begins in January each year. Questions can be emailed to AspiringEducator@wpunj.edu.

• What does the application’s essay require?

• The essay should be personal and specific. You are encouraged to write about the following:

  • Personal interest in education: Mention your passion for teaching and why you're interested in exploring education as a career.
  • Desire to gain experience: Highlight your eagerness to gain hands-on experience and develop skills like public speaking and classroom management.
  • Diversity and representation: If applicable, express how the program's focus on increasing diversity in the teaching workforce resonates with you and your goals.
  • Long-term goals: Connect this opportunity to your future aspirations in education.

• What if I am currently a senior and want to join for the first time?

• Unfortunately, AEP is for rising juniors and seniors (current sophomores and juniors). However, William Paterson offers other dual-enrollment opportunities. For more information, please email DualEnrollment@wpunj.edu.

• What if I have other commitments (employment, sports/extracurriculars, vacation/travel, family obligations) that conflict with the dates and/or times that the Aspiring Educators Program runs? Can I attend only a portion of the program?

• AEP requires full attendance for the duration of the entire program. All participants must adhere to the program’s attendance policy, which allows a maximum of two excused absences during a six-week college course.