MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Weeks after Superintendent León made headlines by offering a future teacher a job during his high school graduation, he reunited with the very first student to whom he had ever extended such an offer, Melissa De Almeida.

“She will graduate from Montclair State University in May of 2026,” León said, as he spoke at the luncheon earlier this month for the district’s recent high school graduates who completed the Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy. The dual enrollment program prepares students at East Side High School and University High School to return to Newark Public Schools and begin teaching careers.

“She’s only months away from that accomplishment,” said León, praising De Almeida’s progress toward earning her degree.

A Creative Solution to the Teacher Shortage

Red Hawks Rising launched in 2019 largely out of the search for a bold solution to the national teacher shortage that has gripped the nation for years. Like other Newark Public Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, it pairs an academic partner with an industry partner. For Red Hawks Rising, the academic partner is Montclair State University (MSU) and the professional partner is the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

“Red Hawks Rising has stood as a testament to what's possible when universities, unions, and public school districts come together with a shared purpose,” said Sherelene Ayala, Ph.D., Senior Director of Montclair State’s Center of Student Success and Educator Excellence. “It is more than just a pathway to education. It represents a movement toward equity, access, and justice within our educational system.”

Newark Board of Education President Hasani K. Council also praised the program.

“The Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy continues to show the power of vision and collaboration,” said Council. “By investing in our students early and preparing them for careers in education, we are building a sustainable future for Newark Public Schools. These young people are proof that when we create opportunities, they rise to the occasion, and we couldn’t be prouder to see them on the path to becoming the next generation of educators in our city.”

A Model Beyond “Grow Your Own”

Program Director Mayida Zaal, Ph.D., noted that Red Hawks Rising differs from traditional “grow your own” initiatives because it introduces students beginning in 11th grade to college-level coursework while they are still in high school, via dual enrollment with Montclair State University. Over five semesters (including the summer between junior and senior year), students complete ten college courses, totaling roughly 30 credits, all at no cost to them.

“You are trailblazers,” Zaal told the students, many of whom will be the first in their families to attend college. “You are the role models, leaders, and agents of change our society urgently needs.”

Building a Future Teaching Force in Newark

Jennifer S. Higgins, President of AFT New Jersey, emphasized the importance of representation in education.

“It is important that the students and the families you serve see themselves reflected back in you,” Higgins said. “We hope you’re excited about the next phase of life you are entering.”

Superintendent León echoed that message, pointing to the transformative opportunity students are embracing.

“Think about it. You’re taking classes on a college campus. You’re taking college classes while still in high school,” León said. “There is greatness that happens in the Newark Public Schools.”