The College of New Jersey has introduced a new Career and Technical Educator alternate route program through its School of Graduate, Global, and Online Education. This initiative is designed for individuals who have not completed a formal teacher preparation program but are interested in becoming certified teachers in New Jersey.
The program aims to address the state’s teacher shortage by providing an opportunity for professionals to transition into teaching careers. Linda Mayger, dean of the School of Graduate, Global, and Online Education, stated, “We know this program can help fill gaps in terms of New Jersey’s overall shortage of teachers, but it also will address the need for additional workforce development in certain technical fields, such as computer science.”
To qualify for the program, applicants may use their bachelor’s degree in a specific field, coursework, employment experience, or a combination thereof to meet the Certificate of Eligibility Requirements set by New Jersey.
Initially, students will take a 50-hour pre-professional CE course before seeking teaching positions. The remaining two-year program consists of four courses that participants complete while teaching full-time. Upon completion, they will receive an NJ Standard Certificate.
Participants will receive support from TCNJ faculty mentors during their first semester in classrooms. Mayger noted that these mentors would provide guidance on lesson planning and classroom management: “Participants in this program will receive similar support as student teaching candidates in our traditional teacher education offerings.”
TCNJ is one of three institutions offering this program in the state and uniquely allows students with a bachelor’s degree to pay a transcription fee for graduate credit for the courses. These courses culminate in a CTE Graduate Certificate applicable toward TCNJ’s Master of Arts in Educational Studies.
For more information about the program, visit its website.
