Philip’s Academy Charter School of Newark (PACS) proudly accepts the 2023 Lighthouse Award from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) recognizing the school for its remarkable dedication to recruiting and retaining a diverse teacher workforce that meets the needs of its students. 

The Lighthouse Award, initiated in 2017, honors local education agencies (LEAs) that demonstrate significant progress in specific areas, with a focus on equity. This prestigious recognition reflects PACS’s unwavering commitment to equity and excellence in education.

Yasmeen Sampson, Principal of Philip’s Academy Charter School, expressed her gratitude for the award, stating, “This recognition reaffirms our steadfast commitment to providing the best educational experience for our students. At PACS, we firmly believe that our diverse faculty enriches our students’ lives, fostering understanding, empathy, and stronger connections within our community.”

A critical factor in Philip’s Academy Charter School of Newark’s (PACS) success in recruiting and retaining a diverse teaching workforce has been its innovative “retain and recruit” committee. Comprising 15 dedicated participants, including 12 teachers, this committee has led the school to reimagine its interview process and place current PACS teachers at the forefront of its recruitment strategy. 

This shift has created a unique dynamic where teachers themselves take the lead in attracting top talent to the school. By asking thought-provoking questions and empowering teachers to champion the school’s mission, the “retain and recruit” committee has emerged as an essential component of PACS’s “secret sauce”, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, and excellence in education. 

T.J. Best, Senior Advisor for the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association, lauded PACS for their remarkable achievement. He stated, “Philip’s Academy Charter School has set a remarkable example of what can be achieved when educational institutions prioritize diversity in their teaching staff. Their dedication to closing educational gaps and fostering a more equitable learning environment for their school community is truly commendable.”

The school also hosts a recruitment mixer every March for teachers to bring at least two people to get to know the PACS culture, offering a job candidate referral bonus to current staff as an incentive.

Nicole Coleman, Drama Teacher at PACS, has played a pivotal role in these efforts. She stated, “I am honored to be part of an institution that values diversity and inclusivity. As a member of the Retain & Recruit Committee, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of a diverse teaching staff on our students’ development. We have attracted exceptional talent, and it’s heartwarming to see our students thriving as a result.”

Samuel Coleman, a 5th-grade student and son of Mrs. Nicole Coleman, shared his experience with his male teachers at PACS. He said, “Having teachers who look like me at Philip’s Academy Charter School has made a huge difference in my school experience. They’ve shown me that I can achieve anything, and that means the world to me.”

The school also invests intentionally in the success of all its staff members – whether it’s by celebrating their important professional milestones or supporting them during the most difficult times of the year for burnout – to ensure they feel empowered and positioned for success in their careers, as well as in the classroom. Whether a staff member is a full-time teacher, teaching assistant or teaching aide, PACS helps them identify their career path early on and the professional development needed to get them there, allowing the school to grow its rich talent pipeline while deepening its sense of interpersonal community.

Ashley Turner-Daniels, 4th Grade Math & Science Teacher, exemplifies PACS’s commitment to developing a diverse teaching workforce, and she shared, “I am deeply grateful for the support and opportunities Philip’s Academy has provided me throughout my journey here. This school’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting diversity is truly remarkable and it’s been an incredible experience to grow alongside our exceptional students.” Ashley started as a Student Aide in the 2018-19 school year, became a Teacher Associate in 2019-20, and transitioned into a full-time Teacher in 2020-21 while pursuing her Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She represents the success story of PACS’s pipeline development program.

The school also set annual hiring goals based on data analysis that identified a need for more male staff, particularly males of color. In 2022-2023, they hired seven men of color and also hired bilingual Latino staff to align with their community’s demographics. Progress will be tracked through engagement, satisfaction, and retention assessments, reinforcing their data-driven approach to diversifying their workforce.

Richard Alua, Dean of Culture at PACS, plays a crucial role in promoting diversity within the teaching staff. He emphasized, “I’m incredibly grateful that Philip’s Academy Charter School places such a strong emphasis on hiring and retaining male teachers and role models of color. It’s not just about representation; it’s about making a lasting impact on our students and their families. In my role as the Dean of Culture, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for our students to have strong, positive, and relatable role models in their lives. This commitment to diversity and fostering a culture of love, joy, and accountability is what sets PACS apart, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

For more information about Philip’s Academy Charter School of Newark, please visit www.pacsnewark.org.