Newark Public Schools Offer $74K Teaching Jobs To 34 Graduates

During their high school graduation ceremonies, more than 30 Newark Public Schools students in New Jersey were offered $74,000-a-year teaching contracts as part of a new initiative to build a pipeline of homegrown educators. These contracts, announced by Superintendent Roger León, are contingent on the graduates earning a bachelor’s degree and state teaching certification before returning to teach in the district. Among the recipients was Miguel Rodriguez Bermudez, who was unexpectedly called back on stage to receive a music teaching job offer, which he accepted joyfully. This program reflects the district’s strategy to invest in local talent and raise starting teacher salaries to $74,000 by 2029, nearly double the average starting salary in Newark. The students primarily completed a dual enrollment program through Montclair State University and the American Federation of Teachers, preparing them for careers as educators. Superintendent León emphasized the significance of supporting single-parent families and developing teachers who understand the community they serve.