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William Paterson University Receives Nearly $2 Million U.S. Department of Education Grant to Develop and Support Pipeline of School Leaders for Urban Schools

William Paterson University in Wayne has been awarded a $1,999,266 Turnaround School Leaders Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to develop leadership programs at four public schools in Paterson and, in cooperation with Kean University, at several schools in Plainfield.

William Paterson will establish the Turnaround Partnerships-New Jersey project in collaboration with School 6, School 10, School 13, and School 28 in Paterson as well as the district leadership of Paterson Public Schools; Kean University and the Charles H. Stillman School and the Hubbard School in Plainfield and the district leadership of Plainfield Public Schools; the Paterson Education Fund, and the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network.

“I am very pleased that the U.S. Department of Education recognizes the leadership position of the College of Education at our University in developing principals and teachers in urban school districts,” says Kathleen Waldron, president of William Paterson University. “ I am grateful for the support of our congressional leadership in helping to secure this support to expand our efforts in urban schools. I also am grateful to the support of the Taub Foundation for some initial funding to begin a related project. “

“I am delighted that, in partnership with Kean University, we received funding to support principals, teacher leaders, and the work with our Professional Development School partners,” says Candace Burns, dean of the William Paterson University College of Education. “This grant supports graduate coursework for participating Paterson and Plainfield public school district teachers as well as provides funding for embedded professors and leaders in residence in these schools. We are very proud of the work of our Professional Development School partners in Paterson and Plainfield and of our longstanding partnership with Kean University, and this grant is continued acknowledgment of the quality of our educational programs, the work of our faculty, and the ongoing relationships we have developed with our partners.”

The funds will support professional development for 56 principals, assistant principals and teacher leaders. The grant will also support 20 individuals with scholarships at William Paterson University and Kean University for district educators seeking to earn master’s degrees.