Montclair State University (MSU) honored 2,178 graduates at its Winter Commencement at the Prudential Center in Newark. Among them were 12 dedicated educators from 10 South/West Schools of the Newark Board of Education (NBOE), including teachers, ELA coaches, and academic interventionists. These graduates successfully earned their Master’s degree in Reading and Reading Specialist Certification, a significant milestone that will strengthen literacy instruction across Newark schools. Their achievement was made possible through a collaborative initiative led by the South/West School Leadership Team, in partnership with Montclair State University, the Office of Teaching and Learning, Staff Development, and Federal Programs and Grants.

As part of the NBOE-MSU reading specialist cohort’s supervised clinical practicum, students from Louise A. Spencer School received one-on-one literacy instruction, reinforcing foundational reading skills critical for academic success. In addition to literacy support, these students participated in a specialized math unit co-developed by Kishanda Montes, Special Assistant of the South/West School Leadership Team and Kalimah Ransdell, Math Coach at Speedway Avenue School, in collaboration with the Office of Teaching and Learning-Mathematics. This comprehensive approach to instruction reflects the District’s dedication to The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan, particularly Priority 4 - Continuous Learning for All, which emphasizes the role of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in driving student achievement. By deepening their expertise, these graduates are not only advancing their own careers, but also making a direct impact in the classroom, ensuring that students receive high-quality, research-based instruction in both literacy and mathematics.