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The Alternate Route is a certification program that allows qualified candidates to begin teaching after taking a 50-hour Introduction to Teaching course. The candidates then take the remaining two years of coursework while they are teaching. Alternate route candidates begin as a regular classroom teacher. They will have a mentor assigned to them–typically another teacher in the school—for the first year. They will have all the responsibilities and salary of a fully certified teacher and must obtain an effective summative evaluation rating in two of their first three years of teaching.
The Alternate Route is not an easier route to becoming a licensed teacher. It requires 400 hours of coursework, similar to a traditional teacher preparation program. A candidate must be able to learn on the job and be able to handle the workload of graduate-level classes while teaching. The advantage is that the candidate can start teaching right away and apply their knowledge in their own classroom.
What are the criteria for a teaching position?
May I teach in a private or charter school in New Jersey?
How can I find a job?
How do I earn the Standard Certificate?
What if I don't get a job?
What if I have a degree from outside the United States?
If I previously completed the Introduction to Teaching class under the initial Pathways program do I need to re-take the new 50-hour Pre-Service class?
If I previously completed Stage I of the program before Fall 2017 what do I do?
What is the difference between the non-credit certification only option and the graduate credit option?
What are the advantages to taking the NPTNJ program for graduate credit?
What do I need to do if I want to pursue a master’s degree after I complete NPTNJ?
If I completed New Pathways as a non-credit student but wanted to convert non-credits to graduate credits is that possible?
The following NJCU graduate degree programs accept course credits from NPTNJ. Please contact the appropriate department chairperson for more information and be sure the advisor knows you have credits from NPTNJ. Learn more on how to apply for matriculation into a degree program.
Elementary/Secondary Education: Please contact Dr. Morales, Department Chair.
Special Education: Please contact either Department Co-Chair: Dr. Fleres or Dr. Taylor.
Educational Technology: Please contact Dr. Zieger, Department Chair.
Multicultural Education: Please contact Dr. Kim, Department Chair.
Reading Specialist: Please contact Dr. Rosen, Department Chair
The GPA requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility and entering the Alternate Route are set by the New Jersey Department of Education and we cannot change them nor waive those requirements. In order to enter any Alternate Route program in New Jersey you must have a 3.0 if you graduated after Sept. 2016 or a 2.75 if you graduate before that date. If your GPA is lower than this, you are NOT eligible for any Alternate Route program.
You may still be able to pursue a teaching career by entering a TRADITIONAL teacher preparation program: https://nj.gov/education/educators/newteacher/ . If you can gain entry and complete a full teacher preparation program, you can re-establish a new GPA at the end of that program, and then apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing. In a traditional teacher preparation program, you complete your coursework and clinical practice hours (i.e. student teaching) before applying for your certification. The challenge will be gaining entry into a traditional teaching preparation program. It may be possible to complete a program as a post-baccalaureate candidate or to transfer in credits from your previous degree and complete a second bachelor’s degree. The following is a list of institutions that have traditional teacher preparation programs: Programs List
Our recommendation is to contact a representative from one of these institutions to determine their admission policies for their traditional teacher preparation programs.
The New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey Candidate Handbook contains important information to review prior to, and during, your time in the program.