(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Ramapo College’s Dr. Adam Fried, who is scheduled to become the Assistant Dean of Teacher Education in January 2023, will certainly be making an impact as soon as he arrives. Dr. Fried has been selected as a member of a task force established by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to help the State address the challenges facing our educational workforce.

Governor Murphy made the announcement at the annual New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Convention earlier this month. The Task Force on Public School Staff Shortages in New Jersey, created under Executive Order No. 309, will develop short and long-term recommendations to increase the quantity of K-12 teachers and support staff in the State.

“Dr. Fried’s experience as an award-winning school leader for the past 16 years serving as the Superintendent of the Harrington Park School District will allow him to contribute tremendous insight and expertise to the group as they work to address the educator shortage in New Jersey,” said Dr. Aaron Lorenz, Dean of the School of Social Science and Human Services at Ramapo College. “We are honored that Dr. Fried was chosen to participate in this incredibly important task force, and we wish him well.”

“I applaud Governor Murphy for establishing a task force to address the critical school staff shortage our school districts are facing,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “This task force will collaborate on methods to restore stability to the teaching profession and ensure students receive the quality education they deserve.”

Ramapo’s Teacher Education and Certification Program offers a wide range of state-of-the-art undergraduate, graduate, and professional certificate programs designed to meet the unique learning, professional and personal needs of prospective and practicing educators. Each of the degree and certification programs is grounded in the liberal arts and built upon the institutional pillars that promote experiential, interdisciplinary and culturally responsive teaching and learning.

“Having representation from Dr. Fried on this important task force only reinforces the role that Teacher Education at Ramapo College plays in the state and the impact it has on the region,” added Dr. Lorenz.

In May 2022, three graduates of the Ramapo College Teacher Education program were recognized for their outstanding academic work and clinical performance, distinguishing themselves as being among the finest New Jersey teacher candidates. Sona Borekjian, Rachel Olivo and Jamie Woods received the prestigious New Jersey Distinguished Clinical Intern Award (DCIA), which recognizes the top graduates and certification candidates of the state’s educator preparation programs.