Alternate Route Program Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What are the requirements to begin the process to become a teacher of Students with Disabilities?

          

All candidates must complete a six credit module of courses which is designed to impart fundamental information about special education.  In order to be eligible to take this module of courses at TCNJ, you must have a 2.75 GPA and an official transcript..

 

2. Do I need an Instructional Certificate of Eligibility?

 

Yes.  In order to be eligible for certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities, you must have an academic major or 60 general education credits and passing score on the PRAXIS General Knowledge test.

 

3.  How do I get the Special Education Certificate of Eligibility?

 

You are qualified for the Certificate of Eligibility by completing the six credit module and holding an Instructional Certificate of Eligibility.

 

4.  What do I need to be qualified to look for a job as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities?

 

You need to hold both an Instructional Certificate of Eligibility and a Certificate of Eligibility in Special Education.  You must also be enrolled in a preparation program which leads to certification as Teacher of Students with Disabilities.  The College of New Jersey has an alternate route program prepares teachers for certification and permits to you to purse certification while teaching full-time.

 

5. What does the alternate route at TCNJ entail?

 

There are two tracks to the alternate route at TCNJ?.  The first track is designed for those individuals who have no prior experience or certification in education.  This track will lead to certification as Teacher of Students with Disabilities, Teacher of Elementary Education and a Masters of Teaching degree.

The second track of TCNJ’s alternate route program is designed for those who hold certification in another field and wish to become certified as teacher of Students with Disabilities.  This track will lead to that certification and a Masters of Education degree.

 

6. What are the entry requirements for the alternate route which will lead to certification and either a Masters of Teaching or a Masters in Education?

 

In order to be accepted into the alternate route, you need to have a 2.75 GPA, a General GRE score, two letters of recommendations and a personal statement.

7. I now have a job. How do I get accepted into TCNJ's alternate route?

TCNJ's alternate route has two tracks. Track One is designed for those with no teaching experience and the other for those experience and certification in another field who wish to become certified as Teacher of Students with Disabilities. In either case, the alternate route is a master's level program which will result in certification and a master's degree.

For those with no experience(Track One), the alternate route will lead to certification as Teacher of Elementary Education, Teacher of Students with Disabilities and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Those
with prior certification will obtain certification as Teacher of Students with Disabilities and a Master of Education (Track Two).

 

8. What are the requirements for matriculation into TCNJ's alternate route programs?

To be eligible for Track One, you must present an official transcript with six credits in Math, Science, Social, and English, a General GRE score, a personal statement concerning why you want to teach students with disabilities and two letters of recommendation. For Track Two, all requirements pertain except for the distribution requirements.