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).

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

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, 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. 

Like the rest of the world, educators were not prepared for the challenges COVID-19 brought along. Throwing the entire school model up in the air, students and teachers were forced to learn and instruct remotely. 

The shift created cracks in the system, allowing various inequities to sneak in and take root, exacerbating the inequities plaguing education prior to COVID-19. 

The best thing educators can do for their students during these trying times is to understand and identify what inequities look like within classrooms. With understanding, it is easier to pinpoint and address these issues, making for a more equitable experience for students.