The Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy (RHR) is a dual-enrollment (high
school and university) grow-your-own program led by Montclair State University in partnership with the Newark Board of Education (NBOE) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Founded in 2019, RHR enables high schoolers to earn 30 credits – equivalent to a full year of college – while building a strong, supported pathway to college and to the teaching profession.
Housed in the College for Education and Engaged Learning (CEEL), RHR exemplifies Montclair State University’s role as a public service institution. Tuition for dual enrollment courses is funded by NBOE. The program mobilizes MSU faculty and adjuncts in teacher preparation and mentoring, reconnecting academic departments to community-based work. For the Newark Board of Education, RHR strengthens workforce pipelines and enhances representation of educators of color, creating stronger school-community connections. Graduates are offered preliminary teaching contracts, establishing a clear pathway into the profession. RHR Scholars are guaranteed admission into the University to continue their undergraduate education where they can choose any major and pursue teacher education.
RHR addresses the critical shortage of teachers of color and empowers young people to strengthen and transform their
communities from within by encouraging them to return to their communities
to teach.
By supporting RHR, you are directly contributing to a diverse cohort of future educators and professionals from NJ's largest city who are passionate about giving back to their community.
RHR has earned substantial state and national recognition. The program has been featured in Education Week, and has been highlighted by other media outlets.
RHR Recent Media Highlights (earned and unearned)
> 1/20/22 - US Department of Education Features Red Hawks Rising- https://www.montclair.edu/newscenter/2022/06/20/us-department-of-education-features-red-hawks-rising/
