Kean, Middlesex College launch teacher transfer pathway

Kean University and Middlesex College have formed a new partnership to facilitate a seamless transfer process.

The agreement allows Middlesex students in select early education programs to join Kean’s bachelor’s degree programs. It creates clear pathways for students pursuing degrees in:

• Elementary education K-6 with an endorsement in teaching students with disabilities
• Early childhood education P-3 with the same endorsement
• Elementary education with Bilingual Education Certification K-6

Through the partnership, Middlesex graduates gain a dependable route to complete their four-year degree at Kean. The Union university is a popular destination for education students. Meanwhile, Kean benefits from enrolling prepared transfer students.

College leaders from both institutions note that the streamlined pathway will help strengthen the region’s education workforce amid New Jersey’s ongoing teacher shortage.

It will also remove traditional barriers to transfer, reduce credit loss, delays and unnecessary costs. The moves serve to save students time and money as they move toward certification.

“Middlesex College is thrilled for this partnership with Kean University, making it smoother than ever for our education students to achieve their goals,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “Providing accessibility and support to our students is essential to our mission, and we look forward to this agreement benefiting so many of our students in their journey to become educators.”

Faculty and administrators from both institutions collaborated to align curriculum standards and academic expectations. Requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. The standards aim to ensure students are well prepared to meet the academic expectations at Kean.

Planting an anchor

“By formalizing this partnership with Middlesex College, we are ‘anchoring down’ to create a seamless, equitable pathway for students to transition from associate to baccalaureate degrees without the traditional barriers of cost or credit loss,” said Kean University President Lamont Repollet. “We are proud to stand with Middlesex College to strengthen our region’s workforce pipeline and ensure that the next generation of innovators and changemakers has a direct route to a world-class education at Kean.”

Dionne Miller is Middlesex College vice president of Academic Affairs. She said the partnership creates a clear, supportive pathway for its education students. It helps reduce uncertainty, saves time/cost, and allows them to move forward with confidence toward a bachelor’s degree, she said.

“Most importantly, it affirms our shared commitment to preparing future educators who are well equipped to serve our schools and communities,” said Miller.