5th Grade Teacher Empowered by Professional Development of Alternative Teacher Certification Program

http://youtu.be/ZQ4R4J02pO0 The common challenge teachers face is having too little time in the day. The roles and responsibilities of a teacher are endless. For most teachers, already time strained and tired after a long day, professional development and teacher training programs are considered a hassle. Nicola Slota, a fifth grade math teacher from Paterson, NJ, entered into Rutgers' alternative teaching certification program feeling more inconvenienced than excited. "I entered the program with a bit of resistance...I felt like I needed every spare nanosecond to invest my already limited time and limited energy planning, grading, researching and refining my instructional practices."   Over time, Nicole's satisfaction with the program grew stronger. But the course syllabus alone isn't what changed Nicole's opinion on the value of Rutgers Alternate Route's teacher training course... "It was the development of professional relationships and the collaboration that had the greatest impact on me. I left every single class with a new skill, a practical skill or an activity that I could implement on the very next school day."   The professional development Nicole experienced as a teacher was invaluable, and ever since completing our program she has been a strong supporter of our alternative teacher certification courses. "I became brave and empowered...I realized that I was becoming a better teacher" "I challenge you all to do the same. Commit yourself to learning, reflect on your practice and don't be afraid to try the unthinkable."