New Pathways To Teaching: An Alternate Route to Teacher Certification

Introduction: What is the Alternate Route in New Jersey?
Section 1: Overview
     Stage I: have a CE
     Stage II: offer of employment from a K-12 school district
Section 2: State Of New Jersey Licensure Process
     How Licensure Works - A Summary Of The Process
     Additional Certification Information
Section 3: Certificate Of Eligibility (CE)
     Elementary Education (grades K-5)
     Middle School (grades 5-8)
     High School (grades 9-12)
     Requirements For CE Submission
     Application For Licensure
     Praxis II Exam
     Licensure Fee
     Official Transcript/s
     Physiology And Hygiene Test Requirement
     Submitting The CE Application
Section 4: Enrolling In New Pathways
     Application
     Registration
     Payment
     Refunds
     Payment Plan
     Loans
Summary of Application/Admission Process
Employment Information: Getting a Job
Helpful Resources
Glossary of Terms

Introduction: What is the Alternate Route in New Jersey?
The Alternate Route Program in New Jersey provides a process by which individuals who already hold a bachelors degree can become licensed teachers without having to complete a traditional teacher training program. Through the Alternate Route Program teacher candidates document expertise in a subject area, fulfill specific alternate route requirements for provisional licensure, begin teaching as soon as they have obtained a position, and take 200 hours of coursework in professional education during their first year on the job. At the end of the first year, the successful candidate receives a permanent NJ teaching license.

Traditional teacher preparation programs in New Jersey typically require 30 credits in coursework and a full semester of student teaching. This can be done at the undergraduate or graduate level at institutions throughout the state. The Alternate Route is different in that the preparation for teaching is done while on the job rather than prior to entering a classroom. It is a fast track, intensive program for people who have strong subject area knowledge and a willingness to learn on the job. Each candidate needs to consider carefully whether a traditional program, such as a Master of Arts in Teaching program at a college or university, or the Alternate Route Program is best for him or her.

Section 1: Overview
Burlington County College is collaborating with participating New Jersey community colleges and New Jersey City University (NJCU) to offer New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey. In sum, the program is the 200 hours of instruction in teacher preparation that is required by the NJ State Department of Education for those seeking certification under an alternate route to teaching method.

The curriculum is shaped by five interconnected themes: planning and preparation, instructional delivery, classroom environment, school environment, and professional responsibilities. The curriculum also embraces the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) teacher preparation standards.

The program takes a year to complete and is divided into two unequal parts.

Stage I: You must have a CE to enroll in Stage I.
The summer part meets in July and August for two nights a week. In addition students perform an additional 15 hours of classroom teaching observation. The observations are typically done in a K-12 setting, but some college classes are eligible for observation. Most school districts will accept Stage I in lieu of the usually required first twenty days of mentoring. This can mean an offer of employment if the only obstacle to the employment is the inability of the school district to provide a mentor. Successful completion of Stage I is a prerequisite to enrolling in Stage II.

Stage II: You must have an offer of employment from a K-12 school district as a provisional teacher to continue to Stage II.
This Stage is one very long “semester”. It contains 140 hours of instruction and lasts for 10 months. It begins in September and finishes in early June the following year. Classes meet one night per week. This Stage is especially challenging since you will be working in a school district as a provisional teacher and be attending class. The NPTNJ classroom provides a supportive environment where you can field questions and issues that arise at the school district. Conversely your classroom in the school district is a place to immediately apply what you are leaning in the NPTNJ course.

All participating community colleges offer the same program for the same fee at approximately the same time. At the end of Stage I, students may transfer to another community college to complete Stage II. Students may also complete Stage I in one year and come back to complete Stage II the following year. A lapse of only one year is permitted to complete the program.

Choose from two enrollment options:
Graduate credit option: New Jersey City University (NJCU) offers 15 graduate credits applicable toward several education Masters degrees. Stage I earns 4 credits and Stage II earns 11 credits. Graduate credit option enrollees will receive a packet of information from NJCU regarding the continuation of graduate studies and the choice of majors.

Noncredit option: Offers a certificate in each Stage acknowledging completion of the 200-hours of instruction.

The course requirements and workload are identical for both options. Both equally fulfill the DOE requirements for alternate route certification. Most students feel that since they are doing identical work it is advantageous to select the graduate credit option. You earn 15 credits toward a Masters degree and your school district may put you on a higher pay step.

Admission Requirements:
Admission Requirements for Stage I

Bachelors or higher degree
2.75 minimum GPA in an undergraduate or graduate degree (sorry, no exceptions)
Hold a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) in the subject area you plan to teach

Admission Requirements for Stage II

Successful completion of Stage I and employment in a K-12 school district as a provisional teacher

Section 2: State Of New Jersey Licensure Process

1. CERTIFICATES OF ELIGIBILITY (CE): These certificates provide the opportunity to seek employment. These are NOT teaching licenses.

CERTIFICATES OF ELIGIBILITY (CE): The CE is issued to alternate route candidates who have not completed a state approved college teacher training program (i.e., alternate route candidates including students in NPTNJ). Burlington County residents may receive the needed forms and instructions from the County Superintendent of Schools’ office located on Union and High Streets in Mt. Holly. The phone number is 609-265-5060. Please ask for Paula Pinto.

CERTIFICATES OF ELIGIBILITY WITH ADVANCED STANDING. (CEAS): The CEAS is issued to all graduates of state approved college teacher training programs. Teacher candidates who can document one year of successful full time teaching experience under a valid state license will be issued standard licenses.

2. PROVISIONAL LICENSE: This one-year license allows the holder to begin working in the classroom and legalizes employment. It signifies that the applicant holds a CE or a CEAS and has accepted an offer of employment. In addition, it signifies that the employing school district or approved nonpublic school has registered the applicant in the Provisional Teacher Program and has agreed to provide the required support and supervision.

3. STANDARD LICENSE: This permanent credential allows the holder to serve without condition in all New Jersey public schools. It signifies successful completion of Provisional Teacher Program requirements while serving under a provisional license during the first year of employment.

The Certificate of Eligibility (CE), the provisional and standard licenses are issued by the New Jersey State Department of Education.

How Licensure Works - A Summary Of The Process
When you apply for a Certificate of Eligibility, your transcripts will be evaluated to determine eligibility, and you will receive either a:

1. CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (CE): Issued to those who have not completed a state approved college teacher training program.

2. Notice of ineligibility. This letter should outline what requirements you need to meet to obtain a CE.

When you have accepted an offer of employment, the employing school district or approved nonpublic school must register you in the Provisional Teacher Program and agree to provide the required support and supervision. At that time you will be notified through your employer of any additional documents and/or fees needed to obtain your PROVISIONAL LICENSE. This teaching license legalizes your employment in the school district in which you are employed. Provisional licenses expire at the end of the academic year (July) but may be renewed if program requirements are not fulfilled and you continue employment in the same district.

After teaching full-time for one year, or equivalent part-time, in a participating school district and upon successful completion of program requirements, you will need to submit a current Application for Licensure and the appropriate fee to receive your STANDARD LICENSE.

If you have additional questions regarding the application process, contact The Office of Licensing and Academic Credentials at 609- 292-2070, Monday - Friday between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Additional Certification Information
1. ISSURANCE: Licenses are issued to the applicant and the original should be kept in his/her possession. Teachers are not entitled to salary without appropriate certification for teaching assignment(s).

2. CITIZENSHIP: License(s)/certificate(s) are issued only to applicants who are citizens or who have declared their intention to become citizens. A notarized affidavit of intent to become a citizen and a notarized non-citizen oath must be submitted with the application of a non-citizen.

3. RECIPROCITY: New Jersey is a party to the Interstate Certification Compact for reciprocity with member states in designated instructional areas. Licenses/certificates from other states and transcripts are reviewed to determine if applicants are eligible for reciprocity. Applicants from other states must complete the test requirement.

4. TWO-YEAR COLLEGE CREDITS: Courses taken at accredited two-year colleges are accepted toward meeting requirements for licensure only if such courses appear on an official transcript of an accredited four-year college.

5. PHYSIOLOGY AND HYGIENE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must pass an examination in physiology and hygiene, including the effects of narcotics and alcohol. The examination is administered in county offices of education. In lieu of this examination the applicant may present basic military training or college level study in areas such as biology, health or nutrition.

6. FOREIGN CREDENTIALS: Foreign credentials must be translated and an equivalence of study in an accredited United States collegiate institution must be established by a credentials evaluation service.

7. NOTE: Licensure regulations and fees are subject to change.

Section 3: Certificate Of Eligibility (CE)
How do I Know if I have the Qualifications to Teach Elementary, Middle or High School?

Following are the academic requirements your transcript must reflect for you to qualify for a CE at the various educational levels. In addition to the academic qualifications, you must pass the Praxis II in your subject area.

Elementary Education (grades K-5): To qualify for a CE in elementary education you must have 60 credits in liberal arts.
Middle School (grades 5-8): There are multiple requirements to qualify.

To teach middle school you must have two CEs, one in elementary education and one in Elementary Education with Specialization in math, science, social studies, English/language arts, or a world languages (Spanish, French, etc.).

Your transcript must show 15 credits in the subject you plan to teach. At this time no credits above the 200 level are required. The credits must appear on a 4-year school transcript.

There is a middle school Praxis II exam for all middle school specialization areas, but world languages. For any of the world languages you must take the subject area Praxis II test, and follow the additional world language regulations (not included here).

2. If you hope to teach a subject in middle school that is not one of the middle school specialization areas mentioned above (such as home economics or art) you will need a subject area CE, explained below. If you have a subject area CE you may teach that subject K-12and do not need an elementary CE to teach elementary or middle school.

To Qualify to Teach High School (grades 9-12):

1. A subject area CE is required. To qualify for a CE in a subject area such as math, history, English, physical sciences, psychology, etc., 30 credits in the subject field are required. Though a subject area CE is often referred to as a high school or secondary CE, a subject area CE qualifies you to teach that subject K-12 without any additional CEs.

2. The credits must be in a coherent sequence, 100-400 level, with a minimum of 12 credits at the 300-400 level and at least one at the 400 level. A subject area CE is the most versatile CE and gives you the option of teaching that subject at any grade level.

Summary of Requirements to Teach at Different Levels, K-12

To teach K-5 an Elementary Education CE is required.
To teach middle school a CE in Elementary Education and a CE in Elementary Education with Specialization is required.
A subject area CE qualifies you to teach the subject K-12 and 30 credits in that subject are required. A subject area CE is the most versatile and gives you the most options in getting a job. You may teach only that subject and may not teach an elementary or middle school contained classroom (all subjects taught by one teacher) with a subject area CE.

Requirements For CE Submission:

1. CE application (available at the BCC NPTNJ office or County Superintendent’s Office)
2. A copy of your Praxis II test results
3. Payment in the form of a money order
4. One copy of an official transcript from each college you attended
5. The date you took the physiology and hygiene test at the County Superintendent of Schools office, or the reason you are exempt.

Application For Licensure
Complete the Application for Licensure. (This is the CE application.) Please pay special attention to the following.

1. Top right margin of the application - write AR – NPTNJ
2. Circles - Make sure all are completely filled in with a #2 pencil.
3. Part A, #1 and Part B, #1 - You must fill in your SS# in both.
4. Part A, 5. A - Write in the subject/s you are applying to teach as follows:

If planning to teach elementary, grades K-5, write CE elementary education.
If planning to teach middle school, grades 5-8, you will need two CEs. Write CE elementary education, and CE with specialization in math (or English/language arts, science, social studies, world languages).
If planning to teach high school, grades 9-12, write CE English, (or biology, math, physical science, etc.)
The high school CE (called a subject area CE) actually qualifies you to teach that subject K-12. With a subject area CE you do not need the elementary CE to teach elementary and middle school

5. You may apply for more than one CE at a time, on the same form, as long as you have taken the corresponding Praxis II test.
6. Parts A, 5. B, C, and D - Does not apply to people applying for a Certificate of Eligibility
7. Part B, 15 - Fill in the circle for Certificate
8. Must be NOTARIZED
9. Date and sign
10. Make a copy for your records

Praxis II Exam
A passing grade on the Praxis II test is required to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, the official document indicating you are qualified to teach. Take the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis II test in the subject area you plan to teach. Some subject areas require more than one test; a few subjects require no test.

Go to the ETS website, www.ets.org, or call 609-771-7395 for registration information. After taking the test, ETS will forward your Praxis score to you and to the Department of Education (DOE). The tests are given September, November, January, March, April, and June at various locations around the state. Be sure to use the code for the DOE Office of Licensing and Academic Credentials, code R7666, on the Praxis registration #12. number 1.You must include your Social Security number on the application form. If you do not, your score/s will not be sent to the DOE.

Licensure Fee
Enclose a money order or certified check for $170 for each CE, made out to "Commissioner of Education.” If no Praxis II test is required in your subject, the fee is $150.

Official Transcript/s:
Request an official transcript from each college you have attended and have the transcript/s mailed to the Burlington County College address on the following page. Burlington County College will hold your CE application until all transcripts are received.

We are not qualified to review your transcript/s, advise you on what you are qualified to teach, determine what credits might be missing, or if your course work has fulfilled the physiology and hygiene requirement. This is the sole jurisdiction of the DOE Office of Licensing and Academic Credentials. Remember, only the endorsements (subject areas) you list in 5.A. on the CE application will be considered for transcript review and approval.

You will receive your CE from the DOE when their review is complete and if you meet the qualifications. The process is a lengthy one and we suggest you start the application process as soon as possible.

****Important****
During the application process you will need two official transcripts from each college you attended, one for the CE application and one for the NPTNJ application, which you will submit after you have received your CE. Transcripts are usually sent directly to Burlington County College. If you receive the transcript/s, do not open, and mail immediately to Burlington County College. A transcript is not official if it has been opened.

Physiology And Hygiene Test Requirement:

If your transcript does not indicate study in any of the following areas, you must go to the Burlington County Superintendent of Schools office and take a brief physiology and hygiene test. The areas of college study that exempt you are: human biology, personal health problems, community health, school health, family health, health counseling, nutrition, or health administration.

If you are not certain that you have fulfilled this requirement in your college studies, we suggest you take the test so your CE is not held up. There is no charge and no appointment is needed. Be sure to write at the top of the test, AR - NPTNJ. The test results are faxed to the DOE. We do not need the results of the test, only the date you took the test. The test is available at the Burlington County Superintendent of Schools office located at the corner of Union and High Streets in Mt. Holly.

Submitting The Ce Application

There are three locations to submit your CE application.
1. On-line at the DOE website.
2. County Superintendent’s Office
3. Burlington County College NPTNJ Office at:
     Burlington County College
     601 Pemberton-Browns Mills Road
     Pemberton, New Jersey 08068
     Attn: New Pathways, Room 319

Section 4: Enrolling In New Pathways

Application
You are ready to apply to the NPTNJ program when you receive your CE. You will need to complete an application form. This application is the last page of this Program Guide. It is on this application that you will designate your enrollment status as either for graduate credit or not-for-credit. Your NPTNJ application packet will be complete when we receive 1) NPTNJ application, 2) copy of your CE, 3) one official transcript from the college from which you have been graduated with the minimum 2.75 GPA.. We suggest you order two sets of transcripts when you order the transcript/s for the CE application.

If you select the graduate credit option and are accepted into the program you will be enrolled as a non-matriculated graduate student by New Jersey City University (NJCU). Information collected by Burlington County College is forwarded to NJCU and their admission and registration system records your enrollment. Through this process your academic record is established. At the completion of each Stage grades and credits will be recorded and available to you. You have the option at any time to matriculate into a degree program by meeting the additional requirements in place for that purpose. This is handled directly with NJCU.

Submission of the application does not guarantee admission to the program. Seats are limited and any application received after the minimum is reached may be denied. If this occurs please recall that almost all community colleges are participating in this program and you may want to consider applying at another college. Conversely, the College reserves the right to cancel the program should there be insufficient enrollment. While this has not occurred to date the requirements are more stringent this year and may serve to decrease the number qualified. Burlington, Camden and Mercer County Colleges have agreed to work cooperatively in this regard so that at least one of the three institutions will have a program.

Click here to Download the 2006-07 Application

Registration
Once you are accepted, you will be invited to register for the initial Stage I summer part of the program. Stage II registration is done in August. Once you are registered, you will need to make full payment, make other acceptable financial arrangements for the payment or officially withdraw from Stage I or II prior to the beginning of any Stage. You must notify the College Liaison in order to be withdrawn. Failure to do so will oblige you to the full amount due for that Stage.

Payment
The program tuition costs are not yet fixed for 2005-2006. However, for reference the cost for this year’s program is:

Non-Credit Option: Stage I - $1100 and Stage II - $1500
Credit Option: Stage I - $2000 and Stage II - $4000

Refunds
A refund of 100% of the tuition and fees will be granted if a withdrawal form is received on or before the starting date of Stage I or Stage II. A 50% refund will be granted if the withdrawal form is received before the meeting date of the third class. There is no refund thereafter.

Payment Plan
Burlington County College offers a payment plan through an agreement with FACTS Tuition Management Company. When you choose this plan periodic tuition payments are processed electronically through your bank account or credit card. You will be required to pay a percentage of the total at the time the FACTS plan form is submitted. There is a $25 non-refundable service fee payable to the FACTS Company.

For Stage I, FACTS users will pay 50% down with one subsequent monthly payments in August. For Stage II, FACTS users will pay 25% down with six subsequent monthly payments beginning in October. Non-FACTS users pay the full amount by the due dates.

Summary of Application/Admission Process
1. Take Praxis II test/s
2. Apply for CE - long process, start ASAP
3. Apply to the NPTNJ Program - anytime after receiving CE
4. Notified of acceptance or non acceptance
5. Register for program and pay fee. Stage I: July and August
6. Stage II: early September - early June

Employment Information: Getting a Job
You are eligible to get a teaching job after you receive your CE. The CE is an official document that shows you have the qualifications to teach that subject in NJ.

It is easiest to get a job in math, science and languages. The most difficult job to get is an elementary education position in a suburban school. Urban schools, private and charter schools often have jobs in all areas, at all levels. You are responsible for finding your own job although we notify you when we hear of openings.

If you are hired by a school district and have not been traditionally trained as a teacher, you must be in an alternate route program. NPTNJ is one of several such programs. Many school districts like hiring people in the NPTNJ program because the Stage I summer program waives the requirement for the 20 days of full time mentoring required for other alternate route teachers. Each year a high percentage of new teachers throughout the state are alternate route teachers. The NPTNJ program has gained a reputation for having high academic standards and for preparing students well for the classroom.

Helpful Resources

Educational Testing Services (ETS) for Praxis II exam information
www.ets.org/praxis, or 609-771-7395

New Jersey Department of Education Office of Licensing and Academic Credentials
609-292-2070

Foreign Credentials Review
World Education Services: phone – 212-966-6311; fax – 212-739-6139; website www.wes.org

Hiring and job outlook in NJ, www.njhire.com

Resources for current and prospective teachers, http://www.nj.gov/njded/clear/teach/recteachers.htm

Glossary of Terms
DOE: New Jersey Department of Education

Certificate of Eligibility (CE): Shows the person has the qualifications to teach in New Jersey and may seek employment in the subject area/s indicated. This is NOT a teaching license.

Provisional License: One-year license that allows first year teachers to begin working in the classroom and legalizes employment. Upon employment, the school enrolls you in the provisional program.

Provisional Teacher Program (PTP): The combination of training, support and evaluation required by the state of New Jersey for first year teachers.

Standard License: The permanent credential that allows the holder to serve without condition in all New Jersey schools. The standard license is issued after the completion of the provisional year, the first full year of teaching.

For More Information call:
Division of Liberal Arts
ext. 1884

The Department of Education in the State of New Jersey has a three-step licensure process as follows: