Alternate Route Teachers Follow Diverse Career Pathways in Education

Each year, thousands of teaching candidates across New Jersey leave alternate route teaching certification programs with new skills, knowledge and expertise to enhance their professional teaching practice. Through Alternate Route, career changers, substitute teachers and other Bachelor’s degree holders become licensed teachers who make significant contributions in education.  

Last year, we conducted a large scale survey of our alumni, and found that the majority transitioned into classroom teaching roles, while others took on education administration roles. Many others joined education-focused nonprofits. We’ve highlighted a handful of past alternate route candidates below who reflect the diversity of pathways candidates take to expand their impact as educators.  

Lolade Onashile transitioned from Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices’ Alternate Route program to education leadership in the charter school sector. She currently serves as the Director of Talent Recruitment at Foundation Academies. Through her work, New Jersey’s best and brightest learn about the selective teaching opportunities available through the Trenton-based charter network where she is employed. Learn more about Lolade >>

Dr. Robert R. Zywicki is a graduate of alternate route who is now serving as the Superintendent of Schools for the Weehawken Township School District. He’s dedicated his career in education to advocating for increased technology usage in schools. Rob is also a co-adjunct at Rutgers where he helps new teachers use Twitter and other online networks to develop a professional learning network. Learn more about Rob >>

Ralph Losanno is a graduate of the Rutgers CESP Alternate Route Teacher Training program, and was hired to serve as Hillsborough School District’s first ever District Technology Coach. Ralph was instrumental in the successful roll out of Hillsborough’s 1:1 initiative.  Learn more about Ralph >>

Darci Sosa graduated from a New Jersey alternate route program with the support of Teach for America. Since then, she has distinguished herself as a teacher leader, facilitating professional development for her Willingboro colleagues and for teachers at state and national conferences.  Learn more about Darci >>

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Alternate Route teacher preparation programs enable people from all career paths to launch careers as teachers and serve inside of classrooms and beyond. With an emphasis on professional development skill building, Rutgers CESP’s Alternate Route program additionally ensures that teaching candidates remain competitive over the long haul. Learn how our program’s unique instructional style influences our teaching candidates’ satisfaction levels and job competitiveness post program completion.

8 Benefits of NJ Alternate Route Program According to Graduating Teachers