Transition to Teaching
Newark Public Schools & Kean University Collaborative

Transition to Teaching (T3 Newark) is a modified Alternate Route Program designed to assist participants in obtaining New Jersey teaching certification.

Please note that in order to participate in this program you must first be hired by the Newark Public School District.

The College of Education, at Kean University, has implemented this “fast track” program to certification in the following areas:

• Elementary Education (See program faculty for details)
• Middle & Secondary Education (in a specific content area:)

  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Science
  • History
  • World Language
  • Special Education
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)

Transition to Teaching is a federal grant for certifying teachers through the College of Education at Kean University. It is intended to address the shortage of qualified teachers in Abbott districts that meet the federal formula of "eligibility". In order to be serviced through this grant one must be determined eligible and you must agree to the following below:

  • Maintain a 2.75 cumulative average if you are in the Post Baccalaureate certification program and a 3.0 cumulative average if you are in the Master's program
  • Take the appropriate courses to achieve the targeted certification
  • Seek program advisement to achieve goal of certification
  • Teach a minimum of three (3) years as a teacher, after receiving the standard NJ teaching certification in one's content area, in the Newark Public School District.

If you do not satisfy all of the terms of the grant, you will not be able to continue under grant funding and you will be required to pay back the $5,000 scholarship.

Each eligible T3 Newark candidate will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship, in the form of a tuition waiver to be used towards coursework that will satisfy their respective certification needs. This scholarship is contingent upon eligibility and compliance with the agreement to work within our partnership district (Newark Public Schools) for a minimum term of three years.

Additional funding may be available through the TEACH Grant Program. Additional information can be found on the website Teach Grant Program

Eligibility / Terms of the Agreement

  1. BA/BS degree from an accredited institution (which includes necessary amount of credits in content area).
  2. GPA of 2.75 or higher.
  3. Passing score on Praxis exam.
  4. Acceptance into the Post Baccalaureate Certification or Graduate Program at Kean University (see Certification Programs).
  5. Interviews with the Program Coordinator & Newark Public School Representatives.

This program includes:

  • Coursework leading to initial certification in one of the following areas: Science, Mathematics, English, English as a Second Language (ESL), History, Special Education and World Languages.
  • Professional Internships
  • Mentoring from university and master teachers for at least three years
  • $5,000 in academic scholarships for tuition
  • Graduate coursework may be used toward a Master's Degree in instruction and curriculum or special education
  • Coursework will prepare candidates to teach the diverse learner, especially English Language Learners (ELLs)

Participants are required to:

  • Commit to teaching in Newark Public Schools (NPS) for three years upon completion of permanent certification
  • Successfully complete intensive summer sessions including field experience and coursework
  • Successfully complete professional internship
  • Attend required meetings with mentor(s) and other staff
  • Obtain a certificate of Eligibility (NJ Department of Education)
  • Pass Praxis II exam in content area (Praxis Web Page)
  • Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better

Application Process:

Download an application here: Transition to Teaching Application (PDF File)

And please fill out an online employment application on the Newark Public Schools Website (please make a note that you are interested in the Transition to Teaching program through Kean University) (Newark Public Schools Website)

T3 Newark Program
Hutchinson Hall - J-333I
Phone: 908-737-4011
E-mail: Marty Jordan – jordanma@kean.edu 

Kean University • 1000 Morris Avenue • Union, NJ 07083 • www.kean.edu