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Posted Date: 10/01/25 (07:52 AM)
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An announcement from the City of Burlington Board of Education with a mascot.

Growing Our Own: Burlington City's Teacher Pathway Program
In 2019, facing a nationwide teacher shortage, Burlington City School District launched the Teacher Pathway Program at Burlington City High School. This innovative program allows students to earn college credits through dual-enrollment courses like "Teaching as a Profession" and "Educational Psychology," offered in partnership with Rowan College at Burlington County's 3+1 Inclusive Education program. The program's goals are twofold:
- Help high school students make informed decisions about pursuing a career in education.
- Encourage program graduates to return to the Burlington City Public Schools for student teaching, addressing local staffing needs.

Teacher Pathway provides students with valuable field experiences in local classrooms and insights from current educators. Graduates, like substitute teacher Hannah MacDonald, attest to the program's effectiveness in preparing them for teaching careers and solidifying their career choices. Initially, the program primarily attracted young women. However, recognizing the importance of diverse representation in schools, the District actively sought to expand enrollment to include young men, students of color, and Multilingual Learners, promoting education as a viable career for all students.

The Teacher Pathway program is set for further expansion, with new courses like "Child and Adolescent Psychology" and "Human Exceptionality" being added. Exciting new partnerships, including one with Stockton University, are also in development. These efforts underscore the District's commitment to providing rigorous dual-enrollment opportunities that prepare students for higher education and future careers, while also serving the community's need for qualified educators.

Burlington City School District recognizes its vital role in developing students for a dynamic job market and equipping them to be responsible, compassionate citizens. The Teacher Pathway Program exemplifies this mission by inspiring the next generation of teachers and celebrating the critical work of schools and educators.
Children and adults play with toys in a colorful classroom setting.
A group of adults and children pose together in a classroom setting. 
High school students enrolled in the Teacher Pathway Program gain practical experience by visiting classrooms across the District to interact with students in the lower grades.  
Pictured above: BCHS students visit preschool classrooms at Samuel Smith School in November, 2024.