Twitter is a great digital resource because it connects individuals all over the world with information quickly and concisely. For educators, Twitter is a great platform to connect, share ideas and expand their networks. 

Alternate Route knows Twitter’s power, as we host regular Twitter chats with our candidates, stakeholders and education leaders. This form of communication - where the Alternate Route Twitter account poses questions and participants tweet their answers - introduces new ideas and opinions to our community. Participants walk away having a deeper connection and understanding of a topic, and hopefully also walk away with an expanded network.

Rutgers Alternate Route has awarded nearly 260 non-credit teaching candidates a micro-credential that allows them to showcase their proficiency as Reflective Teaching Practitioners. This badge recognizes candidates for successful completion of a year-long professional self-study experience during which second-year provisional teachers examine their instructional practices and the effects of their decision-making on student learning.  

As we quickly approach summer break, now is the time for educators to start thinking about how they want to jump into the 2022/2023 school year. Even though spring is at its peak, educators know how fast fall will arrive. 

Conferences and webinars are simple ways to brush up on best practices, discover new methods to connect with students, network with other professionals and much more. Even better? Many professional-development events are free to attend! 

Most educators agree that the best place for students with learning disabilities is in the general education setting. Therefore, accommodating special education students in general education classrooms is imperative. This calls for increased differentiation of general instruction to make content accessible to special education students. It also calls for heightened awareness of the unique learning needs of special education students.

Teacher Appreciation Week is a beloved week for us at Rutgers Alternate Route, as we love celebrating our candidates past and present, as well as our trusted partners. 

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6, 2022) many businesses are celebrating educators by offering exclusive discounts. Teachers can redeem coupons for school supplies, deals on insurance and auto repair, discounts on clothing and much more. 

One perk of going into an education career are some of the programs and incentives available to teachers. Often, companies will create discounts for teachers or there will be opportunities specifically available to give teachers a leg up.

An example is the Teacher Next Door National Home Buying Program. The home buyers that go through the program enjoy a more streamlined experience and save money on expenses that can add up.

In addition to the women whose influence in education are cemented in history, we are also lucky to have our own lineup of historymakers currently affecting change in New Jersey. Yes, they are our Alternate Route instructors! In addition to some of the well-known names featured from the past, we’ve featured the incredible women that are currently helping our candidates make their teaching dream a reality and improving education all across New Jersey.

Conferences have long been places for like-minded professionals to meet, exchange ideas and grow networks. As we have adapted to living with the COVID virus, we’ve seen doors opened for educators to attend conferences that are out of state, and even out of the country. Information and sharing is more available than ever, and as in-person events start to trickle back into our lives, we’ve seen the benefit hybrid options bring.

Local educators now have the option to attend a New Jersey-based event or meet people from all over the globe through the technology’s power to connect. As a result of this digitally expanded world, the below professional-development opportunities are a mix of local, national and international offerings. 

Paul Nolan left his job as a teacher to enter into the business world. Years later, he left the business world to return to his roots. He had been yearning to go back and found an opportunity through a full-time substitute teaching position… and Rutgers Alternate Route.

February 14-21 is #LoveTeachingWeek, which is one of our favorite weeks at Alternate Route! In honor of our instructors' hard work and passion for education, we asked them what they love about working with new teachers. The responses we received are inspiring, heartfelt and full of passion.