INFORMATION FOR
A variety of 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 will need to 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!
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.
