Galloway, N.J. -- As New Jersey continues to face challenges recruiting and retaining teachers, Stockton University is helping strengthen the educator pipeline by introducing the next generation to the profession.

The university’s Teacher Education program hosted nearly 350 students from 19 regional high schools on Oct. 21 for its third annual Future Educators Conference, an event that has more than tripled in participation since its launch in 2023.

Sponsored by Stockton’s School of Education in collaboration with the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the conference brought together aspiring educators, university students, school administrators, practicing teachers and education advocates for a day of inspiration, professional insight and exploration. This year’s attendance was significantly higher than last year’s, reflecting growing interest in the event and the importance of building pathways into the teaching profession.

Assistant Professor of Education Stacey Culleny and Professor of Education Meg White organized the conference to strengthen connections among South Jersey schools and encourage students to consider careers in education. Many of the participants are already taking an important first step through Stockton’s dual-credit Pathways to Learning program, which allows high school students to explore teaching while earning college credit.

The conference gave students an opportunity to hear directly from current Stockton clinical interns and experienced education professionals about the rewards, responsibilities and lasting impact of teaching.

“This is a great first step toward recruiting more students into the profession, which is our ultimate goal,” White said.

Culleny emphasized the importance of helping students develop a more accurate understanding of teaching and the opportunities the profession offers.

“Given society’s often negative perception of educator prestige, this conference helps correct the narrative around preschool to 12th-grade teaching,” Culleny said. “This is a powerful and respectable career that welcomes a new generation of passionate and dedicated change agents. We found many of those prospective teachers here today.”

In his opening remarks, David Fuentes, dean of Stockton’s School of Education, encouraged the aspiring educators to see their own experiences as the beginning of a professional journey and to consider the profound responsibility and privilege of helping shape future generations. He underscored Stockton’s commitment to preparing teachers who are knowledgeable, compassionate and ready to meet the needs of diverse learners and communities.

Tracey Meilander, associate provost for Academic Affairs, invited students to reflect on the educators who had influenced their lives and to consider what they hoped their future students would remember about them. She encouraged participants to carry that sense of purpose into their own classrooms.

“Create a classroom where everyone can learn and belong. Turn your potential into purpose,” Meilander said.

The conference’s keynote speaker, Stephen Santilli, superintendent of Galloway Township Schools, reinforced the essential role teachers play in society. He reminded students that every profession begins with an educator who helps someone learn, grow and discover new possibilities.

“The title of educator is one of the most powerful positions on the planet. Without teachers, no other profession would exist,” Santilli said.

Local educators brought that message to life by sharing personal perspectives on the rewards of teaching and the many ways educators influence students beyond academic instruction.

Kim Briles, a history teacher at Cedar Creek High School and Atlantic County teacher of the year, encouraged students to think about the potential they have to make a difference throughout their careers.

“It’s not the power of what you do, but the power of what you will do,” Briles said.

Allie Pospisil, Galloway Township School District teacher of the year, echoed that focus on purpose and impact.

“It’s not about the income, it’s about the outcome,” she said, reminding students that the value of teaching is measured not only in what educators contribute each day but also in the lasting difference they make in their students’ lives.

For students already exploring teaching through their high school programs, the conference provided an important opportunity to connect their classroom experiences with a potential college and career pathway.

Erika Fine, a teacher of Future Educators at Burlington County Institute of Technology’s Westampton campus, described how Stockton’s partnership has expanded opportunities for students interested in entering the profession.

“Our connection with Stockton has meant so much to our Future Educators Program at BCIT,” Fine said. “Being able to offer our students the opportunity to earn college credits while they’re still in high school is incredible, but our partnership has brought even more experiences for our students to truly see themselves as Future Educators. The conference was a great example of that.”