PACE Educator Pathways Program

Become an Educator. Start Where You Are.

The PACE (Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education) Educator Pathways Program helps aspiring educators explore careers in education and begin their journey toward becoming teachers, paraprofessionals, and educational support professionals.

Funded through the New Jersey Department of Labor, PACE provides eligible participants with online learning, mentoring, workforce credentials, and hands-on experiences designed to support aspiring educators throughout New Jersey.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a teacher, paraprofessional, or educational support professional, PACE can help you explore the pathway that’s right for you.

Who Is PACE For?

PACE is designed for individuals interested in exploring, entering, or advancing careers in education, including:

Already Working with Students

• Paraprofessionals
• Substitute teachers
• Instructional aides
• After-school program staff
• Behavioral support professionals

Early Childhood Professionals

• Early childhood educators
• Childcare professionals

Exploring a New Direction

• Career changers
• Veterans
• Recent college graduates
• Individuals considering teaching as a first or second career

If you’re already helping students, you may be closer to becoming a teacher than you think.

Future Educators Are Already Among Us

Many future educators are already supporting students in schools, childcare programs, community organizations, and workplaces. PACE helps connect that experience to education career pathways.

What Participants Receive

Eligible participants may receive a combination of training, mentoring, credentials, career coaching, and supportive services, including:

• Grant-funded enrollment in Brookdale’s Introduction to Teaching course
• Career exploration and pathway guidance
• Mentoring and career coaching
• CPR/AED certification
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training
• Instructional practice experiences
• Classroom observation opportunities
• Support navigating educator certification pathways
• Employment, educator preparation and registered apprenticeship pathway exploration
• Additional support services, when available

Why PACE?

Many future educators face barriers that make entering the profession feel overwhelming.

At the same time, schools across New Jersey are seeking talented individuals who are prepared to support student learning and growth.

You may be unsure:

• Where to begin
• Which pathway is right for you
• How certification requirements work
• How to gain relevant experience
• How to manage the cost of training

PACE is designed to help reduce these barriers by providing preparation, support, and guidance along the way.

Explore Education Career Pathways

PACE supports exploration of multiple education pathways, including:

Early Childhood Education (P–3)

Support young learners in preschool through grade 3 settings.

Elementary Education (K–6)

Prepare for careers in elementary school classrooms.

Secondary Education (K–12 Subject Matter)

Teach content areas such as English, Mathematics, Science, World Languages, and more.

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Help students prepare for careers by sharing industry expertise and real-world experience.

Educational Support Careers

Explore opportunities in paraprofessional, behavioral support, and related education roles.

Your Pathway Starts Here

PACE is designed to help participants move from interest and exploration to preparation, employment, educator preparation programs, and apprenticeship opportunities.

How It Works

1. Explore Education Careers
2. PACE Training & Support
3. Introduction to Teaching
4. Credentials & Workforce Readiness
5. Classroom Experience & Mentorship
6. Employment, Registered Apprenticeship, or Educator Preparation