Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

COURSE AND PROGRAM ENROLLMENT

How do I sign up for classes?: Before signing up for a course, you must first apply to the program and be accepted. You can find our free, online application HERE. Please note that the initial review process takes about 10 business days. This timeline may be extended if we need to request additional information. Applicants will be notified of a decision via email from altroute@gse.rutgers.edu. Applicants accepted into the program will receive instructions on registering for courses.
I have questions about the program. How can I meet with someone to learn more?: We kindly request that all inquiries be made via email (altroute@gse.rutgers.edu) or phone call (848-932-5656) rather than in-person visits to our office. Unfortunately, since we cannot accommodate unscheduled in-person visits to our office, this allows our team to ensure we can provide you with the best support. Thank you for your cooperation.

I have a Limited CE. Can I enroll in this program?: Yes, we can accept Limited CEs. Please note: Before signing up for a course, you must first apply to the program and be accepted. You can find our free, online application HERE. If you hold a Limited CE, you must have a job at a school district approved to participate in the NJ Department of Education’s pilot program. You can find a list of approved school districts on the State website HERE.

I received my CE and completed the 50-hour Course with a different program. How can I transfer to the Rutgers Alternate Route program?

You will need to apply to our program, and as part of your application, include a copy of the 50-hour Verification of Completion (VOC) certificate you received. Our team will review your application, and if accepted, you may be able to take the Bridge Course instead of having to re-take the 50-hour Course.

If you completed more than 50-hours with a different EPP, complete our Transfer Form so we can review your completed hours. It asks you to provide a copy of the course(s) syllabus and record of completed coursework (i.e. transcript or letter from the program). You are allowed to take your hours from a previous EPP and apply them to a different EPP if the provider agrees to accept them.

My CE endorsement* requires that I complete credit-coursework in addition to the Rutgers Alternate Route courses. How can I complete these at the GSE?

You will need to contact our colleague, Colleen McDermott. Colleen works with the for-credit programs and can advise you on applying and course registration. Her contact information is as follows: (848) 932-0641 and colleen.mcdermott@gse.rutgers.edu

*World Language, Teacher of Students with Disabilities, English as a Second Language, Middle School with Subject matter Specialization

Do I need to be a full-time teacher for the entire school year to be eligible to take courses?: No, you can start the Rutgers Alternate Route courses without a teacher position.

Employment is an eligibility requirement for the Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 Courses. Meaning, candidates must be hired as the teacher of record and be enrolled in the Provisional Teaching Program to take the required coursework and have teaching experience count towards the Standard Certificate. It does not matter if you are a part-time teacher, covering a maternity, medical or other leave. As long as you are working under a provisional certificate in the district, your time will be credited, and you are eligible to attend courses. Per diem substitutes, teachers’ aides and paraprofessionals do not typically qualify for the Provisional Teaching Program, and therefore are not eligible for the courses.

BRIDGING FROM A 24-HOUR CERTIFICATE TO A 50-HOUR CERTIFICATE

I have 24-Hour Certificate but would like to upgrade to a 50-Hour Pre-professional Document. How can I do that?: As of 2017, the NJ Department of Education requires candidates who hold a 24-Hour Certificate will now need a Verification of Completion form to document the 50-Hour Pre-professional experience. Upon acceptance to the program, candidates may enroll in our Bridge Course to complete the additional hours required to be eligible for the 50-Hour Pre-professional document. Learn about our Bridge Course here.

When I started this process, I was told I had to take the 24-hour pre-service before I could get my CE which I did through Rutgers. I did notice that now there is a 50-hour course. How does this apply to me since I completed my 24 pre-service courses?: As of July 2017, you must complete the 50-Hour Pre-professional experience before your first day of teaching. See steps above for instructions on how to upgrade your certificate to the newly required 50-Hour Pre-professional Document.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE & LOGISTICS

Where do the classes meet? Are these online classes or do you have to attend class?

Different classes have different formats (synchronous, asynchronous). You can find the class format as part of each course description. In response to the global health pandemic, all classes are online. You will not be expected to report to the Rutgers campus.

For Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 Courses, is there a way to tell if a class meeting is synchronous or asynchronous?: Synchronous and asynchronous sessions are scheduled at the discretion of the instructors. On the course management system, Canvas, you will see each session will be labeled as Synchronous or Asynchronous.

For Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 Courses, is there a way to tell if a class meeting is synchronous or asynchronous?

Synchronous and asynchronous sessions are scheduled at the discretion of the instructors. On the course management system, Canvas, you will see each session will be labeled as Synchronous or Asynchronous.

How do I see what classes I've taken?

To see the courses you've taken, first log into the course registration website, Ancor (https://ce-catalog.rutgers.edu/checkoutsignin.cfm). Once logged in, click "My Account" and then "Registrations". All completed courses and grades should be listed.

What mental health resources are available to Rutgers Alternate Route candidates?: First, if this is a medical emergency, please dial 911 for immediate assistance.

We understand that the pressures of working and taking classes can be overwhelming at times and your level of distress impacts the best course of action.

If there is no immediate emergency requiring 911, please review the resources below.

As a continuing education candidate, you may not have access to Rutgers University student services; however, the following resources can help you find the support that best fits your personal needs.

Call 211, NJHELP line that can also help you connect to community providers.

Call/Chat/Text: 988, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Text HELLO to 741741, National Crisis Text Line

Call 855-654-6735, NJ Hopeline

We also recommend exploring the resources available within your district.

If you are concerned about your drug or alcohol consumption, take a survey to see how you compare to your peers. (Alcohol
eCheckup, Cannabis, eCheckup)

Or click one of these to find a local Anonymous meeting for
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or Marijuana Anonymous

For a quick mood boost, click here for short, practical meditation and guided exercise videos. Stretch out with physically therapeutic exercises designed to help common ailments of studentshere.

These resources should not replace the care of a doctor; call the member services number on the back of your insurance card for a list of local service providers for more in-depth therapies.

CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE

While certification questions are best directed to the NJ Department of Education's (NJDOE) Certification Office, below are some FAQs we hear.

How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility (CE)?: Getting a CE is Step 1 of the Alternate Route, and it is issued by the NJ Department of Education. You can read more about the alternate route process on the state website HERE. Enrolling in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) like the Rutgers Alternate Route is Step 2.

How long is a CE good for? Does it ever expire if you do not get hired full time by a school district?: A CE does not expire.

I started the alternate route prior to 2017; what has changed?: The NJ Department of Education increased the required hours of instruction from 200 hours to 400 hours. The course operated by our Educator Preparation Program (EPP) meets the 400-hour requirement of the current NJDOE regulations; however, it is delivered such that the time and investment and costs are comparable to the current offering. For the candidates' convenience and professional learning purposes, instruction is offered through online sessions. At some centers, the coursework may take you up to 2 years to complete. The Rutgers Alternate Route program only requires synchronous class attendance in the first year of teaching; the second-year requirements are met through job-embedded experiences in the candidate's school. Additionally, the NJ DOE now requires an additional 3 courses in Math and Literacy specific to P-3 and K-6 Endorsed Teachers. While the changes appear significant, we are committed to ensuring that the program remains manageable with respect to time and costs. Our course catalog includes the cost of our various courses.

I recently finished all my requirements for the Alternate Route process. Do I need to submit anything to the school or the state in order to get my standard certificate?

Congratulations on arriving at this final step in your certification journey! While you are not required to provide anything to the state, be sure that your district requests the issuance of a standard teaching certificate from the NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) upon successful completion of the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP).

The standard certificate is a permanent certificate issued to a teacher who has met all requirements for state certification. Below you will find a reminder of what is needed in order to procure a Standard License.

Complete 30 weeks of mentoring.
Complete required coursework for all CE holders.
Two ratings: one from each school year of effective or highly effective
The standard certificate is a permanent certificate issued to a teacher who has met all requirements for state certification. The district/school will request the issuance of a standard teaching certificate upon successful completion of the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP). Please note that the online application expires after six months, so it is advised that application is only completed when all the above requirements are met. The online application includes an oath of allegiance and requires an administrative fee of $100 to the NJDOE .
Complete NJDOE survey generated upon submitting your online application.

For the mentoring, coursework, and ratings, do I need to submit any papers regarding that information?: No, but be sure that your district has submitted evidence that you have been mentored along with your effective or highly effective evaluation ratings.

Do I need to submit a new oath if I submitted one with my original application for the provisional certification?: Yes, every time you apply, you must complete the online oath.

Do you have a direct link to the survey that I must submit to the NJDOE?: There is no direct link; this is generated only after a standard online application is completed.