Make a Difference in New Jersey's Classrooms as an ESL Teacher

Nationally, classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse, with a growing number of English Language Learners (ELLs). In New Jersey's public schools, a significant number of students, roughly 7% (or 94,000 students), are classified as English learners (ELs), and nearly one-third (27%) of the state's public school students come from homes where English is not the primary language. 

ESL teachers play a critical role in New Jersey’s classrooms, bridging communication and cultural gaps for ELLs while providing a foundation in English that unlocks a world of educational opportunities. They create welcoming environments where students feel safe to take risks, experiment with the language, and build the confidence to communicate effectively. Understanding that effective ESL instruction goes beyond grammar and vocabulary, they foster cultural understanding, promote social-emotional development, and empower students to excel across all subjects—many of the things Mercedes Allen, an ESL Teacher in South Jersey does for her students daily.

A Teacher's Journey: Mercedes' Story

Meet Mercedes, a testament to the power of following your passions and making a difference. Though Mercedes spent fifteen years as a successful paralegal with a bachelor's degree in legal studies, life had a different path in store. Fueled by her own experiences as a bilingual American citizen raised in Central America, Mercedes felt a deep calling to education. Witnessing the struggles of immigrant children as an immigration paralegal further solidified her desire to become an advocate and educator for this underserved population.

Mercedes' journey began as a volunteer literacy tutor, and now she flourishes as a middle and high school ESL teacher. Her decision to transition careers was deeply personal, driven by a desire to pay forward the opportunities she received, connect with her students, and create a safe haven for them to learn. The gratitude she feels compels her to give back and help students reach their full potential.

Mercedes' personal experiences bridge the gap between her and her students, fostering a profound connection that fuels their own educational investment. She cultivates a secure, caring, and stimulating environment where students can grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially – free from cultural and language barriers. By sharing her own passion for learning, Mercedes ignites a spark in her students, inspiring them to become lifelong learners excited about school and life itself. 

Lifelong Learning in Action

To become an ESL Teacher, Mercedes had to activate her own lifelong learning skills. She, like many others, sought support through the New Jersey Department of Education's Alternate Route Teacher option which empowers career changers to pursue their passion for teaching. Mercedes selected Rutgers Graduate School of Education as her Educator Preparation Program, completing her general pedagogy coursework through the Alternate Route program and her ESL coursework through the Language Education department.

Rutgers University's program is designed for busy educators like Mercedes. The entirely online format allows teachers to fit coursework around their existing commitments and can be completed in five years, with a flexible pace option. The program equips teachers with research-based strategies and best practices to create engaging learning experiences for ESL students, ultimately helping teachers become better instructors, contribute to the profession as a researcher, and advocate effectively for their ESL students and their families.

The program requires an investment, but financial aid and payment plans are available to help make it accessible. Additionally, earning the ESL endorsement credits can serve as a springboard for a master's degree in language education, potentially leading to higher pay and career advancement – a benefit Mercedes used to obtain her advanced degree.
 

Bilingual Bonus 

The program offers two endorsement options-- ESL and Bilingual Bicultural Education, both of which Mercedes earned thanks to her proficiency in Spanish. For teachers interested in both, all that’s needed is to take one additional course and demonstrate fluency in a second language. It’s that simple! This unique opportunity can open doors to more career opportunities for teachers, while expanding their impact to reach more students.
 

Need Help Getting Started?

Become a certified ESL teacher and help build a brighter future for New Jersey's students!
Get started by visiting the Rutgers Graduate School of Education website for more information.
 

If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter and sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter for more information and stories from the field of education.