New Pathways to Teaching/Teacher Education

NPTNJ is a New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) approved 200-hour Alternate Route teacher education program designed for candidates who hold a completed Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The NPTNJ program is offered through a consortium of collaborating New Jersey Community Colleges and New Jersey City University (NJCU) and meets regularly at Bergen Community College in Paramus.

The NPTNJ alternate route program of 200 classroom hours is divided into two stages, and can be completed in 11 months. Stage I classes meet for six weeks for 3.75 hours twice a week beginning June 2009. In addition to Stage I classes, NPTNJ teacher candidates must complete 15 hours of observation in a daytime classroom; assignment is made through Bergen Community College. Stage II classes begin in September, and meet once a week for 3.75 hours and continue through June 2010. All NPTNJ classes are held during the evening beginning at 6:00pm in order to accommodate students' teaching schedules. A day-long professional development Capstone Conference rounds out NPTNJ students' experience in the program, and provides valuable teaching tools and resources.

To enter Stage I, candidates must hold a completed Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA. NO exceptions. You must have taken the appropriate Praxis II subject area exam(s), be in the process of applying for your CE (Certificate of Eligibility) and have completed the Bergen Community College NPTNJ application.

To continue NPTNJ into Stage II, candidates must successfully complete Stage I, hold an appropriate New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) certification (a Certificate of Eligibility or dual certificate, if appropriate), and have a promise of employment as a full time Provisional Teacher for the school year.

The NPTNJ program is a consortium between New Jersey City University (NJCU) and collaborating New Jersey community colleges. NPTNJ is an 11-month, 200 hour alternate route teacher certification program available to qualified candidates. Students may choose to enter the program as graduate credit students and earn 15 graduate credits toward a Master's degree at NJCU or enter as certification only students. All students who successfully complete the program and related NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) requirements will be eligible for alternate route teacher certification.

The NPTNJ alternate route program of 200 classroom hours is divided into two stages. Stage I classes begin in April 2010 and again in June 2010. In addition to Stage I classes, NPTNJ teacher candidates must complete 15 hours of observation in a daytime classroom; assignment is made through Bergen Community College.

To enter Stage I, candidates must hold a completed Bachelor's from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA. NO exceptions. You must have taken the appropriate Praxis II subject area exam(s), hold an appropriate New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Certificate of Eligibility (CE), and have completed the Bergen Community College NPTNJ application.

To continue NPTNJ into Stage II, candidates must successfully complete Stage I, hold an appropriate New Jersey Department of Education (NPDOE) certification (a Certificate of Eligibility or dual certificate, if appropriate), and have employment as a full or part-time provisional teacher for the school year.

The "24-hour Pre-Service Program" is a new requirement of the NJ Department of Education for all CE applications received after October 30, 2009. NOTE: individuals submitting a CE application prior to October 31st are not required to take this course.

This is a non-credit course with 20 hours of class work and a 4-hour classroom observation requirement. Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate, as required by the NJ Department of Education, which documents program completion. The certificate must be included in their CE application packet. Tuition for this 24-course is $200.00. Course to be offered monthly beginning November 2009. Please call (201) 447-7488 to register.

Please visit the NPTNJ program's official site, www.nptnj.org. If you would like further information regarding NPTNJ, email NPTNJ@bergen.edu or call (201) 493-3792. For details and registration for the Praxis II exam(s), visit www.ets.org. For CE (certificate of eligibility) Department of Education, www.nj.gov/njded/educators/license or call (609) 292-4469.

Whether you are a prospective pre-service K-12 teacher, master K-12 teacher, adjunct, or professor, these courses will expand your knowledge base and strengthen your teaching practices. All courses with the red triangle symbol are approved by NJEA for professional development credits.

Prepare to take the Elementary Education Praxis II Content Knowledge Test, which is a necessary step in getting certification as a K-5 Elementary education Teacher in New Jersey. This course provides a structured thematic review of the four key content categories and subdivisions of the test: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, offers an overview of sample questions and self-preparations, as well as test-taking strategies.

Recommended text: The Praxis Series Study Guide Elementary Education Content Knowledge, test code 0014

by Educational Testing Service. Available at www.ets.org; select "online store" and then "ebooks."

Do you want to become a substitute teacher, are you thinking about becoming a teacher or just need part-time work while you finish your studies? This course covers: understanding the administrative structure of schools, developing classroom management techniques, the impact of the school culture on the teaching experience, making efficient use of instructional time, and basic principles germane to working with children in schools that you will be expected to be cognizant of. Also, learn how to complete the necessary paperwork to apply. To become a substitute teacher, candidates must attain a minimum of 60 college credits (official transcript), undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, and submit appropriate applications to the State of New Jersey.

Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, related disorders and learning disabilities are addressed. The diagnosis/clinical assessment of Tourette Syndrome is explained along with current medical interventions. School relation issues are emphasized. This seminar enables educators to recognize students¡¯ difficulties as well as their strengths and potential. Learn approaches and strategies that enable teachers to create a learning environment that support the social, emotional and intellectual development of all students in the classroom. Peer education and classroom management is discussed, as well as the 504 plan and IEP writing. Understand the nature of these disorders and their impact at school and home.

Bergen Community College's Division of Continuing Education has become a course provider for Child Care Center Directors. This 60 hour course is supported by Professional Impact, NJ ( formerly NJPDC). Training for Child Care Center Directors will include planning and evaluation, staff management & professional development, educational programming and program development, fiscal management, legal issues, facilities management, family support and community resources, marketing and public relations, leadership and advocacy, and other issues relevant to early care and education program administration. Instructors: Suanne DeNunzio & Carolyn Tebbetts

These three-part programs are designed to provide the necessary educational hours to be applied toward earning a CDA, a nationally recognized credential for those in the Early Childhood profession who care for children from birth through five years of age. These courses cover the eight required subject areas and includes guidance for preparing the Professional Resource File. A review of the final examination, given by the credentialing office, will also be covered. To find out more about the CDA certification, call the CDA office at 1-800-424-4310 or visit www.cdacouncil.org. Book requirements will be discussed in class.

Prerequisite: Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and possess a High School diploma or GED.

The Division of Continuing Education and the Department of Social Sciences have collaborated to develop the "CDA = 9 Credits" initiative. If you have completed the CDA and wish to earn an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education at Bergen Community College, you will be awarded nine college credits. These credits will be awarded to students who meet BCC admission requirements and become degree seeking.

The Infant/Toddler CDA course will focus on infant and toddler care and education. In addition to the general competency areas necessary for CDA certification, the course will have an emphasis on infant and toddler mental health, social and emotional well being. Appropriate curriculum including environmental health, safety and nutrition will also be addressed in depth. The course will help prepare the student to apply for the Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate Certification. In addition, the course will meet one of the requirements needed to obtain the New Jersey Infant Toddler Credential. More information about earning the credential will be covered in the class.

This 45-hour course meets the requirements for the CDA renewal. It is also helpful for experienced teachers and assistants who work in childcare. The course will cover advanced child development, curriculum, and professional development issues. Topics include: • Principles of child growth and development • Planning a safe and healthy learning environment • Steps to support children¡¯s social and emotional development • Observing and recording children¡¯s behavior • Strategies to establish productive relationships with families • Strategies to manage an effective program operation • Maintaining a commitment to professionalism.