The ESL Alternate Route at NJCU
About the NJCU ESL Alternate Route
The NJCU ESL Alternate Route program provides a process for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) to become licensed ESL teachers by taking classes while they are doing their first two years of teaching. This program is run through the Multicultural Education Department at NJCU. The program is currently online with synchronous courses that meet at specific times. It is regulated and approved by the N.J. Department of Education (DOE).
How the ESL Alternate Route Program works:
Step 1:
- Candidates apply to the NJDOE for a Certificate of Eligibility. This allows the candidate to get an alternate route teaching job. How to apply for a CE in ESL.
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher on your latest degree or advanced program.
- For those with a BS degree, 60 Liberal Arts credits are required to meet the NJDOE requirements.
- You must pass the Praxis Core Tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
- You must meet the English Language Proficiency Test – ACTFL OPI and WPT – requirements set forth by the NJDOE.
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher on your latest degree or advanced program.
Step 2:
- Candidates take a 50-hour Introduction to Teaching Course which includes classroom observations and field experience. This class is available online for non-credit.
Step 3:
- Candidates begin teaching in the Provisional Teacher Program and concurrently take an additional 350 hours of alternate route classes. These courses are part of the Graduate School at NJCU and must be taken for credit. They are not part of New Pathways.
- Candidates must teach for two years with successful evaluations, complete a year of mentoring, and complete the alternate route classes in order to apply for a Standard Certificate to teach in New Jersey.
ESL ALTERNATE ROUTE COURSES
The ESL alternate route program is for graduate credits or 400 hours of instruction over four semesters. The 50-hour, Introduction to Teaching class is offered online at NJCU as well as participating community colleges throughout New Jersey.
TUITION
The ESL program is only offered for graduate credit. Graduate tuition is based on the NJCU Board of Trustees and subject to change. The NJCU Masters Programs that accept NPTNJ credits provides additional information. The current tuition rates can be found here.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Apply for the ESL Alternate Route at NJCU here
CONTACT: For more information about the ESL Alternate Route Program, contact Dr. Kim, akim@njcu.edu, 201-200-3184.