What is the Alternate Route Program?

The Alternate Route (CE) program is a graduate level, non-traditional teacher preparation program designed for those individuals who have completed undergraduate or graduate degrees with a 3.0 or higher GPA (or 2.75 with a qualifying score on the Praxis II) and have obtained a teaching contract with a school district, but have not completed a formal teacher preparation program at an accredited college or university.  The Alternate Route Program is termed as a CE program, in which students enter the teaching field while simultaneously pursuing the required coursework. A traditional program, in which students complete all schooling before entering the field, is referred to as a CEAS (Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing). See the Atlantic City Press article on our program.

Which CEs is Stockton approved to offer? 

Here is the list. 

Does Stockton offer P-3 certification? 

No, Stockton doesn't offer the Alternate Route in P-3. Contact a DOE approved provider such as Montclair University.

Does Stockton offer certification in  Career and Technical Education (CTE)?  

Stockton does  offer a few the Alternate Route for CTEs listed above.  If you are interested in teaching technical courses requiring a CTE program, click here to reach Brookdale Community College, the only state provider of all CTE Alternate Route Certification. 

In what grades/subjects can I obtain a certification?

Click here for the full DOE list.

Since the ESL certification requires additional coursework, how would that work if I am a CE candidate enrolling in Stockton's two-year Alternate Route Progam? 

Stockton's ESL graduate endorsement sequence consists of 5 graduate level classes, 4 of which are the same courses required for the Bilingual Education (BE) endorsement. If you are interested in the ESL endorsement, you can take one course each semester for five semesters, or two courses in the fall, two in the spring, and then one in the summer, and you can finish the entire ESL endorsement program in two semesters and a summer. (The courses are offered in a cycle that makes this possible and there is no required order of the classes.) After you take the four or five courses and either pass or waive your OPI/WPT tests, you will be eligible to apply for your ESL and/or BE endorsements through Stockton's School of Education office.

Here is a link to the Stockton School of Education webpage which will give you information about the MAED program and the ESL/BE endorsements.  See the curriculum worksheet under “Educational Endorsements”.  All of the ESL courses online and in the following cycle: EDUC 5202 and EDUC 5205 in the fall, EDUC 5201 and EDUC 5203 in the spring, and EDUC 5204 in the summer. 

For information on the ESL Program, contact Dr. Spitzer (Lois.Spitzer@stockton.edu)

Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) through the NJ DOE Office of Licensure and Academic Credentials. 

Gov. Murphy signed S-1553/A-4525 on Nov 28, 2023 which would eliminate the Praxis 1 (Core) as a requirement for certification.  Regulations from the DOE are anticpated by the beginning of 2024 to clarify the specifics for those wishing to enter teaching via the Alternate Route. As soon as they are released, the update will be placed here.   

You may have seen media reports about a recent bill passed by Governor Murphy that seeks to address continued teacher shortages in New Jersey. This bill will eliminate the Praxis Core and Praxis II Content testing requirements for some New Jersey teacher candidates.

The only teacher candidates who may skip both of these tests must: 

• Already hold a bachelor’s degree in the area they wish to teach (any liberal arts degree for P3 or K6. For K12, either Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Math, Music, Spanish, etc.), and

  Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and

  Be ready to seek/attain paid employment as the teacher of record while simultaneously remaining enrolled for 2 years in an evening, weekend, or online Alternate Route teacher preparation program, and

  Maintain continuous employment for 2 additional years as a provisional teacher (total of 4 years) before earning a “standard” teaching certification. 

By contrast, those teacher candidates who do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to participate in guided, gradually increasing student teaching experiences must still pass both, the Praxis Core and the Praxis II Content exams. After successfully completing student teaching and earning a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA, these Traditional Route candidates have no simultaneous teacher education requirements when they begin work, and must work for only 2 years to attain a “standard” teaching certification.

Regulations regarding this new law is anticipated by the end of 2023.

 

• Please see full list of requirements in the Certification Application Checklist and apply for a certificate of eligibility through the NJ DOE here.The steps can be done in any order. NOTE: The 2022 released "NJ DOE Limited CE" is not referenced in the video above, but is detailed at the bottom of this section.

• The New Jersey Education Certification System has now replaced the  Teachers Certification Information System. All incomplete applications in TCIS will expire on August 1, 2022. Anyone applying now for a new license or renewals of provisional, emergency or standard certification should do so on the new NJEDCERT system. TCIS information has been transferred to NJEDCERT.

• The various CE areas provided by Stockton are listed here.

Three important elements:

1. Praxis 1 (Core) See note above re: Nov 2023 legislation. For information on the basic skills (also called Praxis Core or State Test) requirement and possible replacement options, check out the basic skills section of the DOE site.

• Those who score in the top one-third percentile of scorers on the SAT, ACT, or GRE in the year the respective test was taken are not required to pass the assessment. Candidates are exempt from the basic skills requirement if they can demonstrate a score on the SAT, ACT, or GRE at or above the cut score for the year in which they took the exam, shown here.

• As of September 1, 2019, the state requires candidates to take the newly adopted Praxis Core Math (5733) for CE licensure.  Passing scores for 5732 obtained prior to September 1, 2019, will continue to be accepted.

• Free Praxis Core study support for teacher candidates of color is offered by the Atlantic County Collaborative for Educational Equity, a local nonprofit. Please contact Dr. Christine Ruth at christine@acedequity.org for course preparation schedules and tutoring information. 

• There are other Praxis preparation programs and books. We do not suggest one over another. An example can be found here or here.

2. Praxis II 

Click here for the ETS site.

The site includes the list of required Praxis II for the specific CE(s) you seek.

When registering, please include Stockton University as a score recipient. 

3. Undergraduate degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA (or 2.75 with a qualifying score on the Praxis II)

• Preservice courses Note: Although still listed on older DOE documents, the 24 hour precertification course is no longer required for a CE. Additionally, you are not required to complete the new 50-hour course in order to obtain a CE; however, you will need it in order to accept a teaching contract, so we encourage candidates to complete the course as soon as possible. The 50-hour non-credit course is detailed in the separate section below (Step 2 part b).

I heard about a Limited CE.  What is that all about?

           The DOE has created a limited CE which is will be accepted by some school districts (see link to list below).  To be eligible for the limited CE, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet all CE requirements pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-8.3, except the candidate may be waived from exactly one of the following requirements:

• Minimum number of subject-matter course content credits;
• Minimum required grade point average (GPA);
• Minimum score on a Commissioner-approved assessment of basic skills or core competencies; or
• Passing score on State-approved Praxis subject-matter assessments.

For more information on the Limited CE and the list of districts approved to accept this option, check out 

• https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/CE-CEAS-pilotprogram.shtml

Note: Stockton’s Alternate Route program is now approved to accept applications from students who qualify for this Limited CE if they have contracted teaching positions from qualifying districts. 

Once you earn your Certificate of Eligibility, apply for and accept employment in a contracted teaching position in a public or private school*.

 

Seeking a teaching position?  https://www.njschooljobs.com/ is a good source as is the websites of the districts of interest.  Additionally, working within schools as a substitute or teaching assistant is a helpful means to seek a teaching contract. 

• The district will enter the teacher in the NJ EdCert System (https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/) formerly the Provisional Licensure Registration Management System (PLRMS), formally termed the Provisional Teacher Program (PTP) with the state. 

Information on Private Schools and the Alternate Route

* Note: Not every school can host an alternate route candidate. A private school can participate in the Provisional Teacher Process if they have the below requirements established. 

• In order to participate in the Provisional Teacher Process, a non-public school: Must be registered with the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Non-public School Services or be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families;
  • must have developed a mentoring plan;
  • must have a NJ certified teacher on staff who can serve as the mentor.
  • must adhere to the select criteria of AchieveNJ, the statewide educator evaluation system, designates teachers as highly effective, effective, partially effective or ineffective. This must be completed by a NJ certified administrator. Information about AchieveNJ can located on their website .

 

In the realm of evaluation in order for someone teaching in a non-public school to receive a standard certificate they will need two years of an effective or highly effective rating comprised of three evaluations and two SGOs each year.

As for evaluations the following rules must apply:

1)      They must have a minimum of three per year.

2)      They must be completed by a NJ certified administrator.

3)      The evaluations are to be done on a state approved instrument or equivalent model (Equivalency = a 1-4 scale on a research-based instrument).

As for SGOs they need to measure student growth on the standards/skills taught during the school year.  For your questions regarding SGO development, ultimately they need to assess their growth to ensure students have made adequate progress.  Please see our guidance on completing SGOs here. Please contact Peter.Mazzagatti@doe.nj.gov for questions regarding AchieveNJ.   

The NJ Professional Development website has information about developing a mentoring plan. Please contact TeachPD@doe.nj.gov for any questions you may have about developing a mentoring plan.   

CE 50-Hour Course
(Non-credit requirement to enter the Alternate Route to Teaching Program) 

 

• This online (Google Classroom) course includes 30 hours of online instruction, 10 hours of clinical observation, and 10 hours of clinical reflection. It is possible to complete the course in as few as three weeks. The time limit is three months. 
• The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of teaching as a profession to those interested in obtaining a teaching certificate through the alternate route program. This course focuses on the culture of schools, including expectations and the transitioning necessary for new teachers. Topics will include classroom management, lesson planning, instruction, assessment, student needs, and the use of technology in the classroom.  
• This 50-hour course is one of the requirements of the alternate route; however, this course is not a requirement for the certificate of eligibility. It is required to be completed before working, so we encourage those who wish to enter the field of teaching through the alternate route take this course as soon as they earn a certificate of eligibility and even before they begin interviewing.
• Note: Stockton is not a provider of "CTE Only" areas or P-3 Alternate Route certification.

REGISTRATION FOR THE 50-HOUR COURSE

This online module will run continuously throughout the year. Students are able to join at any time and complete the course at their own pace. As noted, completion rates range from 3 weeks to 3 months.  

Note: Stockton will accept the 50-hour course certificate from other Alternate Route NJDOE approved providers, but acceptance is up to the discretion of each provider. The NJDOE prefers the 50 hour course be completed in the same institution as the 350 hours.

FAQs

Q. How do I register for this stand alone non-credit course?

A. To get the link for the registration page, please complete this interest form. Doing so, you will receive the registration link. Disregard the enrollment platforms reference to start dates; the registration is open and rolling. Once registered, anticipate entry to the Google Classroom course within 1 business day (except over holidays).  A notice will be sent to the email you provide. Stockton or Gmail accounts encouraged. The cost of this course is $350.  

Q. May I take this course if I do not have a CE or a teaching contract?

A. Yes, this course is open to all except Stockton is not a provider of "CTE Only" areas or P-3 Alternate Route certification. Note: the state has requested only the institution to which a candidate will attend the 350 hour portion should be the institution to provide the 50 hour portion.    Having the course completed prior to interviewing and working would be beneficial to the candidate. 

Q. Do I need to take this course if I already have my CE?

A. Yes.  This course is not required until an Alternate Route candidate accepts a contracted teaching position; however it is needed to begin teaching.  Therefore, we suggest candidates consider taking the course as soon as possible. The following is from a broadcast to NJ Superintendents from the DOE on April 11. 2017: "Administrators should ensure that all new teachers hired who hold a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) are enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program by the start of their first school year and have received confirmation from the preparation program that the new teachers have completed the pre-professional (50 hours) component of the program." 

Q. Do you give any credit for those with previous education courses?

A.  The 50-hour preservice course is a state-mandated requirement for all seeking to pursue certification as CE candidate. 

Q. May I use past experiences as the clinical observation requirement and/or will the instructor help me coordinate a placement? 

A. Yes. Those options are detailed within Google Classroom. 

The candidate then must apply for the Alternate Route teacher preparation program directly with a provider: Stockton University is an approved 100% online provider.  

The SU Alternate Route Program entry start points are September (recommended application in June , but we can handle summer applications) or January (recommended application by November), depending upon date of hire. We also allow new hires to begin classes on a non-matriculated basis if necessary. Our 400-hour two-year graduate level program includes the 50-hour non-credit preservice course along with 350 hours of online graduate work. Students are enrolled in 5-6 credits per semester.  The two- and three- credit companion courses are delivered online through Blackboard. Tuition and fee costs for the program are presently $703 per credit.  The 24/25 credit program is approximately $17,000.

Financial Aid

• It is recommended candidates review the contract of their new teaching position for any information on reimbursement by their school.  Also, check into the Teach Grant. If you work in a high needs district/content area, you may qualify. Contact Terra Mecouch, who handles Financial Aid for all Education students, including Teach grant applicants at 609-626-6051. 
• Graduate credit costs are linked to the Bursar's Office here.
• Financial aid information is linked here. 
• Many school districts offer course reimbursement for graduate courses.  See your teaching contract/human resource department for details.  

Sequence of Courses  (Two years: Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring semesters)

1. Course Worksheet for K-12 Subject Specific CE holders
2. Course Worksheet for Elementary CE holders
3. Course Worksheet for K-12 Subject Specific CE holders seeking Sped Endorsement
4. Course Worksheet for Elementary CE holders seeking Sped Endorsement
5. Course Worksheet for Sped Endorsement as addition after Alt Route Certificate Completion

Application to the 350 Hours 

If you have completed steps 1 (CE) and 2 (contract) above, and registered or completed the 50 hour course, you may apply to the Graduate Program. 

Stockton Online Application Requirements 

1. Application fee: $50 (non-refundable), submitted with your online application 
2. Contracted teaching position (a contracted long term leave is acceptable, a substitute position is not)
3. Enrollment in the NJ provisional teaching database (completed by the school district)
4. Appropriate NJ Certificate of Eligibility (CE or Limited CE).
5. Praxis II scores (or evidence of Limited CE status excusing Praxis requirements)
6. Graduate application essay
7. Three current letters of recommendation written specifically for MAED admissions 
8. Resume
9. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (including Stockton) mailed or dropped off directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions
10. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
11. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 (Note: maintaining a 3.0 GPA within the program is required)

The ideal time to apply is in the summer for a September start, or if hired in the fall, apply in the fall for a January start.  If hired in the winter or spring, contact the Director, Dr. Hinman.

If you have questions, Dr. Michael Hinman, Director of the Alternate Route To Teaching Program monitors this inquiry form.

Additionally, the hotline for the NJDOE Office of Certification is 609-292-2070.