Men of Color Hope Achievers (MOCHA)

An innovative, newly-developed program to address teacher shortages in high-need areas and to help diversify the teacher workforce in public education

Four overarching goals

• Recruitment
• Placement
• Preparation/Development 
• Retention

The ASPIRE to Teach at Rowan University CE Educator Preparation Program provides teacher candidates who hold a New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) issued Certificate of Eligibility (CE) with experiences and guidance to develop and deliver effective instruction to their students while earning their provisional licensure in New Jersey. The curriculum centers on Universal Design for Learning, High-Leverage Practices, and Relationship-Driven Instruction. ASPIRE Lead Instructors (ALIs) work to help each teacher candidate develop proficiency across the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers through online learning modules, video coaching, Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings and individualized support.  ASPIRE is an online program which offers a 50-Hour Pre-Professional Experience Component and a fully supported two-year component with monthly PLC meetings. BEFORE enrolling and beginning the 50-Hour Pre-Professional Experience Component, all teacher candidates must have their NJDOE Certificate of Eligibility.

Who Can Register?

CE candidates must complete a minimum amount of 50 hours of pre-professional experience at a CE EPP prior to employment. The Verification of Program Completion for Certificate of Eligibility Educator Preparation Program (CEEPP) form showing completion of the 50 hours must be presented to the hiring school in order to obtain a provisional certificate. Once you have secured employment, it is the responsibility of the hiring school district to enroll you in the Provisional Teacher Process. A provisional certificate is then issued which is valid for a period of up to two years. The PTP is a school-based training and evaluation program provided during the initial years of teaching in New Jersey.