Teacher Education

New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey (NPTNJ)

Want to make a difference?  Become a teacher!

Stage I classes begin Late June 2008

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 2008. 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 2009. 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), 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 or part-time Provisional Teacher for the school year.

Please visit the NPTNJ program's official site, www.nptnj.org

If you would like further information regarding NPTNJ,

Alternate Route Teacher Certification

 call 201-447-7488

For details and registration for the Praxis II exam, visit www.ets.org

CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS

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.

SD 760   Elementary Ed Praxis II Preparation        (6 sessions)     $130

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 the BCC bookstore.

Instructor:  Dr. James Scanlon

001  3/1/08-4/19/08         Sat          9:00am-11:00am

SD 727   How to Become a Substitute Teacher   (4 sessions)         $100

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.

001  4/12/08-5/3/08       Sat             10:30am-12:30pm          Mary Lou Cook

SD 759   Tourette Syndrome, ADHD,                                       $45

               Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and Related

    Disorders: Grades K-12

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.

001  3/15/08             Sat       10:00am-1:00pm          Ann Lempert Deutsch,

                                                                                    RN, MSN, CPNP

SD 728   Early Care and Education for        (15 sessions)

                  Director's Academy                                                         $780

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

001  1/22/08-5/6/08         Tue         5:30pm-9:30pm

         (no class 3/25)

CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE (CDA) CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

This three-part program is 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. This course covers 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.

To ensure that you accrue the appropriate number of hours to complete the CDA program, please follow the following schedule format:

If you began or are going to begin the CDA program in a spring semester, follow the "CDA IA, IIA, and IIIA" schedule format. If you began or are going to begin the CDA program in a fall semester, follow the "CDA IB, IIB and IIIB" schedule format.

SD 736   CDA Program, Part IA                   (15 sessions)               $400

001  1/23/08-5/7/08      Wed     6:00–9:00pm       Phyllis Jones/Laura Jessie

         (no class 3/19, 3/26) Make-up date for 3/19 is Tuesday 3/18

SD 737   CDA Program, Part IIB                 (14 sessions)               $400

001   1/23/08-4/30/08     Wed    6:00-900pm        Carolyn Tebbett

         (no class 3/26)

SD 737  CDA Program, Part IIA                  (11 sessions)               $295

002   5/21/08-7/30/08        Wed     6:00-9:00pm       Phyllis Jones/Laura Jessie

 SD 738   CDA Program, Part IIIB              (11 sessions)               $295

001   5/21/08-7/30/08      Wed     6:00-9:00pm       Carolyn Tebbett

The Division of Continuing Education and the Department of Social Sciences have collaborated to develop the "CDA = 9 Credits" initiative. If you have a 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.

SD 711   CDA Renewal - Program Planning            (15 sessions)

                  and Professional Development Issues                            $365

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.

001  1/22/08-5/6/08              Tue      6:30-9:30pm                Phyllis Jones

         (no class 3/25)