NJ Teacher Certification

[fan_of_small_world]

I've been playing around with the idea of going back to school for a post-bacc teacher certification program in Elementary Ed (I already have a BA). I've checked the state website as well as several NJ colleges' websites, and I've gotten some good info on what teaching courses are required.

However, I can't figure out what, if any, additional coursework will be needed to satisfy NCLB. Does anyone know how to find this info out online? I do believe there are info sessions I can go to next month at one of the colleges not too far from me, but I'd love to find out sooner.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Bumping for myself

 

[Tracey1974]

Bumping for me too! Becoming a teacher is a possible long term goal for me so I'd appreciate some info too!

 

[Hannathy]

Not answering for the classes but be sure there are jobs in the area you will want to work before putting all your time and effort into this. My BIL did this after 9-11 because his area of work practically disappeared and he was sure he could teach, well after getting his certification he still doesn't have a teaching job and no real prospects. Usually if you go to the state board licensing site you can find out a lot of info.

 

[jx3smom]

DS has been trying to get a job teaching in our area for 2 years now. He had an interview yesterday, keep your fingers crossed! Any way he has worked closely with the County and local Board of Education to make sure he has all the requirements and is state certified. That is a good place to start.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Not answering for the classes but be sure there are jobs in the area you will want to work before putting all your time and effort into this. My BIL did this after 9-11 because his area of work practically disappeared and he was sure he could teach, well after getting his certification he still doesn't have a teaching job and no real prospects. Usually if you go to the state board licensing site you can find out a lot of info.

Thanks Hannathy, that is something I was thinking about too. My general plan is to sub while I'm taking classes. From working as an elem school assistant years ago I learned that can be a great way to become well known among the hiring principals.

I also want to get info on what areas of speialization might be more in demand in our area. For example, I know that a lot of school districts are in need of special ed teachers.

 

[Hannathy]

Thanks for not taking it the wrong way! I just know that he is in the same general area you are and he was so sure. He really is talented (under grad and masters from Ivy League, published author,public speaker and trainer for corporations, etc) but in most places it is hard to find a teaching job. I think you are correct about subbing. Around here it seems the only hires either subbed -my friend for 5 yrs and tried to go to one school mostly, or had student taught at the school and returned to the area,or are a teacher from that school's kid. You are smart to look into what is needed for your area. Good Luck, if you do have kids, subbing isn't bad except for no benefits because you are so flexible with your time.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

I really appreciate all advice! Thank you again!

My kids are young, so they're in the school district I'd want to teach in. Plus, I'm heavily involved as a volunteer, so I'm getting to know more people. Subbing for me will be great for a while, since DH has benefits and I'll have the flexability to go on field trips, etc. when I want to. Our district even has subs for the special ed assistants, and they're so short on them that they're happy even if you can just do half of a day. Since DD is starting kindergarter next year, I think I'm going to sign up for the spec ed asst subbing in the fall. It will be both great experience and great exposure to the schools in our district.

 

[mcco5543]

I'm a post bac student Elem. Ed. K-5 in south jersey. They just changed the program at my school to cover NCLB and I actually feel very prepared to deal with it. Any school that you go to should have changed their program after NCLB came into play. I don't know if you are in South NJ or North NJ but if you're in south I know that Rowan University was origionally a teaching college before anything else and is very good.




Good luck

 

[pixiechick]

However, I can't figure out what, if any, additional coursework will be needed to satisfy NCLB.

The school you attend should make sure you've taken any necessary classes. The only big change from NCLB concerning certification affected already certified middle years teachers. What was always considered k-8 certification became k-6. 7th and 8th grade teachers now need to be certified in the subject area ( English, Math, Science and Social Studies) they teach.

 

[Cindy B]

I'm a post bac student Elem. Ed. K-5 in south jersey. They just changed the program at my school to cover NCLB and I actually feel very prepared to deal with it. Any school that you go to should have changed their program after NCLB came into play. I don't know if you are in South NJ or North NJ but if you're in south I know that Rowan University was origionally a teaching college before anything else and is very good.




Good luck

I go to Rowan and I am in the teaching program there. I am not doing the post bachelor certification,but I know many that are.

Be prepared for a lot of school work for Rowan in the post bac program. You have to take a bank of about 9-12 courses plus be highly qualified into your specialty area. Many of these post bac courses at Rowan have field experience requirements, in addition to your coursework so that is something to consider if you have a child. You will need to work out sitting arrangements or something like that, because the field experiences are 3 to four hour stints at a time and you need at least 20 hours per class for the field placement. I say this because I had to work around my kids schedule for my field placements. (I'm still working around thier schedule!)

I know of at least 3 courses with field requirements if not more.

I know some post bac students that have to take courses over that they had already completed like College Comp II or Math Systems because they either a) didn't transfer over like they had anticipated or b) they never had to take the course in the first place to get the bachelors degree.

Rowan is a great school and I will feel really prepared to get a job. Now I know getting a job is half the battle, but I am willing to do anything in my field. I will have a dual major so I can sell myself better than other people with just a bachelor degree in education. My major is Writing Arts and Elementary Education, so I can sell myself to an administrator by stating that writing is an important part of the testing process, etc.

I know some people are very fussy as well about the districts they want to work so they will obviously not get selected for jobs. I don't mind urban and am more than willing to do so. Some people really just want to stay in the suburbs. I don't mind being in Camden and I will gladly take a job there if offered. (I've heard that they pay higher and treat the teachers like gold there!)

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Thanks to everyone for the info!

Cindy B, I am in southern NJ and would most likely want to look at Rowan. Thank you so much for the insight! I may also look at Stockton. At the very least, I know they hold infomation sessions several times a month where they not only go over their program but also review your transcript. That should answer my qestions on the "highly qualified" requirement. That part still confuses me as far as it relates to elementary ed. I had a double major in college, but they were business and religion, so I'm concerned about meeting the req.

As far as field work, my youngest will be in kindergarten this coming year, but it's only half day. My plan would probably be to start the teaching classes once she is in first grade, so the field work would be easier then. If there are any non-teaching classes I need in order to fulfill the NCLB reqs, perhaps next year would be the time to take them.

 

[KarenB]

I can't help much with required classes since I am not in NJ, but you may want to look into what Praxis exams are required too.

Best of luck!
Karen

 

[NewJersey]

I would recommend The College of New Jersey, hands down over the other public colleges in NJ, or the north for that matter.

I graduated from there in May 2006 (accounting) and they have been ranked up there with the ivy league schools, by barrons and US News. It's also relatively afforadable (compared to what you would pay at just as good private schools).

It used to be called Trenton State College in the 90s and was known for teaching. I know my company (fortune 500) hires TCNJ graduates over princeton and harvard.

My sister graduated from there in 2001 with a degree in special education and found a job before she graduated. She's now back at tcnj for her masters.

Definitely check it out! www.tcnj.edu

 

[Blondy876]

I'm a Stockton grad (but with a BA in Psych). I took the alternate route and I have P-3 certification (3rd grade is the highest grade I would want to teach). I received my P-3 cert. from Montclair University. If you go to www.njhire.com they have a lot of information about getting licensed, and you can also search for local jobs, it should have a lot of answers for you. Good luck.