50 Hour Pre-Service Workshop

Introduction to Teaching: Course Description 

This workshop is a non-credit (fee-based) course approved by the New Jersey Department of Education. It is designed for those who have not completed a traditional teacher education track at an accredited institution of Higher Education and are seeking to become certified teachers via the Alternate Route Program. The structure of this workshop is composed of thirty hours of face-to-face instruction and twenty hours of Clinical Experience (field), totaling 50 hours. 

Course Competencies

The 20-hour Clinical Experience will comprise 10 hours of structured 1-1 direct instruction or small group instruction and 10 hours of a Co-Teaching experience, preferably small groups when appropriate. If you are working as a Paraprofessional, a Substitute Teacher, a tutor, an Assistant Teacher in after-school programs, a school-based 4-H Club or scout programs, or a teacher in a private School or Daycare, documented hours from these experiences will be counted towards the 20 hours.

This workshop is the first part of the Alternate Route Program coursework. The workshop is currently offered online/asynchronous, through the Learning Management System (LMS) called Canvas. It runs for 4 weeks and includes an overview of all aspects of teaching, including:

• Classroom Management
• Lesson Planning
• Assessment
• Working with Diverse Learners
• Professional Dispositions
• Review of Licensing for Alternate Route
• HIB Policy
• Differentiated Instruction
• Technology
• Multicultural Education
  

You MUST HOLD a Regular Certificate of Eligibility (CE) to enroll in this course. Please consult the NJDOE's endorsement codes to help you determine your eligibility for the Alternate Route Programs.

Completion of the Course 

Upon completion of the 50-hour Pre-Service Workshop, a Verification of Program Completion form (VOPC) will be issued to all participants. This form must be submitted to prospective employers at the District level. A final VOPC form will be sent to the certification Office from the Department of Education after all requirements are completed and the District nominates you for the standard teaching license.

Important Note:
Teacher candidates holding a CE in TESOL, TOSD, or P-3 are encouraged to enroll in Kean University’s Alternate Route Programs or enroll in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to continue the required 2 years of formal instruction (graduate-level courses or the non-credit 400-hour course of study). This program is designed to provide comprehensive support for completing the Alternate Route Program process.

For candidates with other Instructional CEs, the VOPC form allows for transfer to Alternate Route Programs offered by other institutions.