Frequently Asked Questions

The Alternate Route is a graduate level certification program that allows qualified candidates to begin teaching after taking a 50-hour Introduction to Teaching course having met all requirements. The candidates then take the remaining two years of coursework (24-30 credits) while they are teaching. Alternate route candidates begin as regular classroom teachers. 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 rigorous 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 full time. The advantage is that the candidate can start teaching right away and apply their knowledge in their own classroom.

More Information

What are the criteria for a teaching position?

• The position must be as a classroom teacher. It must be a full-time lead teacher of record, not a substitute, paraprofessional, or leave replacement. Check with the hiring administrator in the district for which you are going to work to confirm that your position is appropriate for the provisional teacher program.

May I teach in a private or charter school in New Jersey?

• Yes. However, the school must be approved by the NJDOE and willing to enroll you in the Provisional Teacher Program. 

How can I find a job?

• https://www.njschooljobs.com/

How do I earn the Standard Certificate?

• After you have successfully passed all coursework and assessments, successfully taught for two years, and completed one year of mentoring, you can apply to the NJDOE for a Standard Certificate.

What if I don't get a job?

• You can enter a traditional teacher preparation program in which you complete your education classes before you begin teaching, such as our Master of Arts in Teaching programs. They are designed for people with a bachelor's degree who want to become teachers and they include Clinical Internships arranged by the University. Once you complete the courses, you are eligible for a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing. These programs are only offered for credit. For more information about the Secondary MAT Certification Program visit the catalog page. For more information about the Elementary MAT Certification Program, visit the catalog page.

What if I have a degree from outside the United States?

• You will need to have your transcript evaluated by a third party organization course-by-course evaluation, to include an overall GPA, indicating that the applicant's education is equivalent to a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution, with a GPA of at least 3.0.
• Visit the NACES web site for more information and a current list of accredited agencies. 

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 you completed the Introduction to Teaching class under the Pathways program prior to September 2017 you have until August 2022  to enroll in a special 24-hour Bridge class. You should contact the New Pathways Liaison at the college you attended, and they will direct you to a Bridge course that will provide you with the additional hours and requirements of New Pathways. All other candidates must enroll in the 50-hour Pre-Service class.

If I previously completed Stage I of the program before Fall 2017 what do I do?

• If you completed Stage I prior to Fall 2017, we will count the hours or credits you earned and apply them to the new program. You will not have to repeat those hours.

The following NJCU graduate degree programs accept course credits from NPTNJ. Learn more on how to apply for a degree program.

Optional Masters Degree in Reading and Reading Specialist Certification (100% online)

A Master of Arts Degree with certification as a Reading Specialist may be earned by completing the following:

• up to 6 credits can be transferred from NPTNJ K6/K12 into the program (with advisement from the program chairperson)
• complete a minimum of 21 credits in literacy education 

Apply for the M.A. in Reading with Reading Specialist Certification

Optional Masters Degree in Educational Technology (100% online)

A Master of Arts Degree in Educational Technology may be earned by completing the following: 

• up to15 credits transfer from the New Pathways Program
• complete a minimum of 21 credits in educational technology  

Apply for the M.A. in Educational Technology 

Optional Master's Degree in Educational Technology with School Media Library Specialist (100% online)

A Master of Arts Degree in Educational Technology with certification as a School Media Library Specialist may be earned by completing the following: 

• up to12 credits transfer from the New Pathways Program
• complete a minimum of 24 credits in educational technology  

Apply for the M.A. in Educational Technology with School Media Library Specialist 

Optional Master's Degree in Educational Technology with STEM Certificate (100% online)

A Master of Arts Degree in Educational Technology with STEM certificate be earned by completing the following: 

• up to 9 credits transfer from the New Pathways Program
• complete a minimum of 27 credits in educational technology  

Apply for the M.A. in Educational Technology with STEM certificate 

Optional Master's Degree in Special Education (100% online)

A Master of Arts in Teaching degree with certification in Teachers of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) may be earned by completing the following:

• 21 credits needed for the (TOSD) Teacher of Students with Disabilities license
• up to12 of the 24 credits from New Pathways (taken for credit or converted to credit)
• 1 additional 3-credit course
• Passing score on Special Education Praxis II

Apply for the Special Education MAT

Optional Master's Degree in ESL Education (100% online)

A Master of Arts Degree with certification in English as a Second Language may be earned by completing the following:

• 24 credits from the ESL Alternate Route Program
• Additional courses: MCC 626 Survey and Development of English as a Second Language Material (3 credits); MCC 650 Research Urban Education in ESL/Bilingual Education (3 credits)
• 3 credits of electives

Apply for the Bilingual/Bicultural M.A. Degree

Optional Master’s Degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Education (100% Online)

A Master of Arts Degree with certification in Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement may be earned by completing the following:

• Up to 24 credits from the ESL alternate route Program
• Additional courses: MCC 607 Theory and Practice of Teaching Bilingual Children (3 credits); MCC 623 Contemporary Issues in Bilingual Curriculum Development (3 credits); MCC 650 Research Urban Education in ESL/Bilingual Education (3 credits)

Apply for Bilingual/Bicultural Ed

Optional Masters Degree in Urban Education: Teaching and Learning in Urban Schools (100% online)

A Master of Arts Degree in Urban Education: Teaching & Learning in Urban Schools may be earned by completing the following:

• up to 18 credits transfer from New Pathways or the NJCU P-3 Specialized Alternate Route Program
• complete a minimum of 18 credits in urban education:

Apply for the M.A. in Urban Education: Teaching and Learning in Urban Schools

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.