NJ students surprised with $74K teaching job offers during high school graduation ceremony – New York Post

Newark Public Schools Invests in Future Educators through Graduate Teaching Contracts

Overview of the Initiative

During the 2025 high school commencement ceremonies, Newark Public Schools, New Jersey’s largest school district, awarded more than 30 graduates with conditional teaching contracts valued at $74,000 annually. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by fostering local talent and promoting sustainable employment opportunities.

Details of the Program

1. Thirty-four graduates received 1-year conditional contracts to teach in their former school district.
2. The majority of these students completed a dual enrollment program designed to prepare them for careers in education.
3. Contract conditions require graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree and obtain state teaching certification.
4. Upon fulfilling these requirements, graduates will return to Newark Public Schools with a starting salary of $74,000, nearly double the average entry-level salary in the state.

Supporting Data

• Average entry-level salary in Newark: approximately $34,200 (ZipRecruiter estimates).
• Thirty-two future teachers attended East Side High School or University High School.
• These students completed the Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy through Montclair State University and the American Federation of Teachers.

Statements from Leadership

Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger León emphasized the strategic importance of this program:

“These contracts represent our investment in homegrown talent and a long-term strategy to build a pipeline of teachers who reflect and understand our students. We’re not just celebrating graduates today. We’re welcoming future colleagues.”

Highlight on Individual Achievements

• Miguel Rodriguez Bermudez, an Arts High School graduate, received a $74,000 teaching contract during his graduation ceremony. He plans to attend William Paterson University to become a music teacher in the district.
• Newark Board of Education President Hasani K. Council praised the program as an investment in youth and community development, reinforcing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Barringer High School graduate Alliana Abreu was offered a position as an athletic trainer upon completing her college requirements.

Community Impact and SDG Alignment

This initiative supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals by:

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Enhancing educational pathways and teacher preparation programs.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Providing well-paid employment opportunities for young adults.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Promoting equitable access to quality jobs within the community.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Strengthening local communities by encouraging graduates to give back to their neighborhoods.

Conclusion

The Newark Public Schools’ graduate teaching contract program exemplifies a sustainable and community-focused approach to education and employment. By investing in local talent and providing clear career pathways, the district advances key Sustainable Development Goals and fosters a resilient educational workforce dedicated to serving their own communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article focuses on educational programs, dual enrollment, teacher preparation, and investment in homegrown talent for teaching careers.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article highlights employment opportunities for graduates with competitive salaries, contributing to economic growth and decent work.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The initiative supports students from Newark, including those from single-parent families, promoting equal opportunities and social inclusion.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality (implied) – The mention of single mothers and encouragement to women implies support for gender equality and empowerment.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.c: Increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality (implied)
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.
   • Indicator 4.c.1: Proportion of teachers in pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary education who have received at least the minimum organized teacher training.
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.
   • Average starting salary of graduates employed in the district (implied as a measure of decent work and economic growth).
3. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities (implied through focus on social inclusion).
4. SDG 5 Indicators (implied)
   • Indicator 5.5.2: Proportion of women in managerial positions (implied through empowerment of single mothers and women).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: nypost.com