The initiative brings together classroom educators to explore effective mentorship, support their own professional growth and deepen collaboration between Rahway Public Schools and Rutgers. It is rooted in the values of the university’s Urban Social Justice Teacher Preparation Program.
Cooperating teachers work with student teachers as they prepare to enter the profession. Through the academy, fellows examine ways to guide these future educators using practices centered on equity. The program also helps prepare graduates of Rutgers’ teacher preparation program to become cooperating teachers and mentors themselves, extending that support to future generations of teacher candidates.
During the 90-minute kickoff, Dr. Michelle Macchia, Rutgers Professor of Professional Practice and director of the Cooperating Teacher Academy, facilitated a discussion about the responsibilities and opportunities involved in serving as a Rutgers cooperating teacher.
Participants exchanged professional insights and considered strategies for building strong, productive relationships between interns and their cooperating teachers. The gathering marked the beginning of a shared effort to strengthen how experienced educators support those entering the classroom.
Macchia co-designed the program with Senior Fellows Nicole Gargiles of Roosevelt School; Cassandra Krayn of Franklin Township Public Schools; Isabella Luniewski of the 7th & 8th Grade Academy; and Kimberly Sharrock-Shaw and Joseph Unkel of Rahway High School.
This year’s fellows are Tara Del Sordi of Roosevelt School, Rima Patel of Rahway High School, Jenna Signore and Carlos Sabates of the 7th & 8th Grade Academy, Katharine Sweeney of Madison School, and Tiffany Varriello of Franklin School.
Together, the participants represent a range of school settings and professional experiences. Their work connects the preparation of future teachers with the knowledge of practicing educators, making mentorship a shared focus of the partnership between Rahway and Rutgers.
