INFORMATION FOR
Various alternate route programs are offered through William Paterson University's College of Education, providing a two-year teacher preparation program for those holding a Certificate of Eligibility and a job as a teacher. In addition to holding the CE, a 50-hour pre-professional requirement must be completed. Click below to access registration details for the 50-hour course related to your certification and for details on the alternate route programs at WP!
Career and Technical Education Alternate RouteProgram Webpage: Click Here50-Hour Pre-Professional Requirement Link: Click Here
English as a Second Language Alternate Route Program Program Webpage: Click Here50-Hour Pre-Professional Requirement Link: Click Here
Elementary Education Alternate Route Program Program Webpage: Click Here50-Hour Pre-Professional Requirement Link: Click here
Pre-School Through Grade 3 Program (Early Childhood) Alternate RouteProgram Webpage: Click Here50-Hour Pre-Professional Requirement Link: Click Here
Secondary Education Alternate Route Program (Those becoming certified to teach one subject)Program Webpage: Click Here50-Hour Pre-Professional Requirement Link: Click Here
What is the Alternate Route for Teacher Preparation?
The alternate route is a wonderful way to begin a teaching career without a background in teacher preparation or a major in education. Those who hold a bachelor's degree could consider this pathway, which provides the opportunity to work as a teacher, earning salary and benefits in a NJ public school while pursuing a state-approved alternate route teacher preparation program. The first step is to pursue a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or a Limited Certificate of Eligibility from the NJ Department of Education. After obtaining a CE or Limited CE, you can begin to pursue employment as a teacher. You can take a state-required 50-hour pre-professional course at WP, of which evidence of completion will allow a district to hire you as a teacher of record. It is up to you to pursue a job as an alternate route teacher.
William Paterson University also offers traditional paths towards teacher certification would require you be admitted to a teacher preparation program (such as the MAT) and be placed as an intern in clinical experience and a yearlong clinical practice in elementary classrooms of an experienced teacher. As a clinical intern, you would teach and co-teach with the classroom teacher. You would be pursuing either a CEAS or Limited CEAS at the end of your program.
