Centenary University and Dover Public Schools Celebrate ESL Certification Partnership

Centenary University and Dover Public Schools proudly celebrated a successful partnership that supported two cohorts of leading educators in completing their English as a Second Language certification through Centenary’s New Jersey Department of Education-approved program.

Through the partnership, Dover Public Schools teachers received training in contemporary, evidence-based best practices designed to support the growing number of multilingual learners of English in New Jersey’s public schools. The initiative reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to expanding educational access, strengthening classroom instruction, and improving student outcomes.

“It was a pleasure working hand-in-hand with the school district’s dedicated leadership team and talented teachers as the director of this project,” said Lexis McCoy, Ed.D. “These are some of the most outstanding educators I have met. Their commitment to scholarship and how they can apply that learning to their teaching is commendable. As a result, this work is ensuring that more students are gaining access to high-quality educational experiences that will contribute to their success.”

Dover Public Schools has made a significant commitment to advancing instructional practices that support multilingual learners. While many school districts have one or two ESL teachers per school, Dover Public Schools now has approximately 36 ESL teachers and 22 bilingual teachers. Many of the teachers who completed the program will use their new strategies within the general classroom setting, while others will serve as ESL teachers providing more personalized support in small-group settings.

“I am proud to work in a district that truly values the professional growth of its educators,” said Angelica Rodriguez, director of Bilingual Education, ESL, and World Languages for Dover Public Schools. “To me, that says everything about Dover’s commitment to our students. When we invest in our teachers, we’re investing in the success of every learner, and partnerships like this help ensure our multilingual students receive the high-quality support they deserve.”

The partnership is an example of how university-public school collaborations can create meaningful systems of support for students across New Jersey. By working directly with school districts, Centenary University continues to advance its mission of preparing educators and educational leaders who are equipped to meet the evolving needs of today’s classrooms.

“The impact of the School of Education at Centenary is measured in transformed K-12 student experience,” said Robert Battistini, Ph.D., senior dean for the School of Education and Humanities at Centenary University. “By working so closely with our Dover peers, Centenary has been able to serve its mission with particular significance and ethical purpose.”

Centenary University offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in education at its campus in Hackettstown, as well as at more than 75 professional development sites throughout northern New Jersey. More than 100 principals, superintendents, directors, and supervisors, including many of the principals in Warren County, have earned or are currently pursuing a Centenary University degree, creating valuable networking opportunities for the university’s graduates.