There are many misconceptions about the typical Alternate Route candidate. Here is an overview of actual candidates, using data from the Rutgers Alternate Route teaching program.

Experience is one of life’s best teachers, and our Alternate Route candidates receive no shortage of experience as they go through our program. Our courses are structured to have a focus on hands-on, real-world experience - giving our candidates a supportive space to learn, practice and improve. 

Often, some of the best wisdom comes from past candidates, who offer a wealth of information based on their personal experiences going through the Alternate Route program. We value this insight and ask our candidates to share their personal insight with incoming candidates. 

One question we always have them answer is “What did I learn from this experience that will help me in the future?” When we received responses from our 2021 candidates, we were amazed at the wealth of information these educators were willing to share. 

To help prepare those gearing up to teach their first lesson, we’ve provided advice from the people who have been there

Recently, Rutgers Alternate Route hosted a virtual panel on how to pass the edTPA,the State-mandated teaching performance assessment required for teaching certification in New Jersey. The assessment is used nationally and measures the skills and knowledge of new and aspiring teachers, providing Alternate Route candidates a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their competency in the classroom while building a reflective teaching practice.

As the 2020/2021 school year comes to a close and educators start thinking of how they’ll spend their summers, now is a great chance to catch up on some professional development (in between enjoying the summer weather, of course).

Professional development is wonderful for education because it benefits everyone! Educators are introduced to new teaching methods and tools and students benefit by having an engaging educational experience that keeps them excited about learning.

For spring and summer 2021, we’ve rounded up online resources, upcoming webinars and some of the most exciting education conferences happening all over the globe (while still accessible from our couches).