Alternate Route Provisional Teacher Program (ARTP)

The MUJC's Alternate Route Provisional Teacher Program (ARTP) is provided under the auspices of the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). The ARTP is a non-traditional teacher preparation program designed for those individuals who have not completed a formal teacher preparation program at an accredited college or university, but wish to obtain the necessary training to become a New Jersey certified teacher.

The traditional ARTP consists of four phases which total 200 hours of formal instruction, as required by the NJDOE. Classes are held after regular school hours and during the summer. In addition, the MUJC offers the new 24 Hour Pre-Service Program. (See below, ARTP Offerings).

Enrollment
In order to be eligible for the ARTP, individuals must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) from the NJDOE. Once a CE has been issued to the individual, he/she is eligible to apply for a job in any New Jersey public or private school. To be eligible for a CE in instructional areas, the candidate must:

hold a bachelor's or an advanced degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50; for students graduating after September 1, 2004, achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75;
for subject area endorsements, complete at least 30 credits in a coherent sequence of courses appropriate to the instructional area. At least 12 semester-hour credits must be at the advanced level of study, including junior, senior or graduate level study. For the elementary school endorsement, complete a liberal arts, science, dual content or interdisciplinary academic major or a minimum of 60 semester hour credits in liberal arts and/or science. All coursework must appear on the transcript of a regionally accredited four-year college or university;
achieve a passing score on the appropriate New Jersey State test (Praxis) of subject matter knowledge;
successfully complete the 24 Hour Pre-Service Program; and
pass an exam in physiology, hygiene and substance abuse issues, including the effects of narcotics and alcohol. The exam is administered at the county offices of education. In lieu of this exam, the applicant may present basic military training or college level study in areas such as biology, health or nutrition.

Certificate of Eligibility
In order to apply for a CE, an individual needs to:

complete an online "Application for Licensure" from the Office of Licensing and Academic Credentials; (to apply online click here). (The NJDOE only accepts online applications);
submit an official, sealed transcript (with degree conferral and grade point average listed on the transcript);
submit an official certificate of completion form from the 24 Hour Pre-Service Program;
successfully pass the Praxis exam; (results will be electronically submitted to Trenton);
achieve a passing score on physiology and hygiene exam, there is no cost associated with this exam which is given at county offices of education - click here to download the PDF file of the county offices. In lieu of this exam, the applicant may present basic military training or college level study in areas such as biology, health or nutrition. (results will be electronically submitted to Trenton);
submit a signed and notarized Oath of Allegiance/Verification of Accuracy Statement for United States citizens;
submit a signed and notarized Non-Citizen Oath of Allegiance/Verification of Accuracy Statement and Affidavit of Intent to Become a Citizen for non-citizens; and
provide payment of appropriate fees.

An individual is able to monitor the progress of the CE submission by logging onto New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and selecting under "Online Resources," "Check Application status." The NJDOE system has been set up to display generic responses when individuals sign in. For example, initially the system will display "incomplete" and display a list of items (even though those items may be been submitted). Next in the process, the system will display Examiner Seeks Info," this means the CE submission has been assigned to an examiner. Next, the system will display "In Process" which means an examiner is reviewing the submitted information. Eventually, it will display "Issued" if all of the requirements of the certificate have been met. If the requirements have not been met, a letter will be sent to the individual indicating details of what is needed.

ARTP Offerings

200 Hour Formal Instruction Program
The MUJC offers the traditional ARTP Hour Formal Instruction Program which is typically completed during a school year. Participants can enroll mid-year as well.

Employment as a teacher is not mandatory for the Phase IA session, however, in order to be eligible to enroll in the balance of the program, the participant must be hired as a full-time teacher.

Upon successful completion of the 200 hours of formal instruction and documentation required by the NJDOE, participants will be eligible to receive their standard teaching license. If the participant has an Elementary K-5 CE, two additional programs are required in order to be eligible to receive the standard teaching license. (See below "Holders of Elementary K-5 CEs")

The 200 Hour Formal Instruction Program consists of the following phases:

Phase IA (20 hours, fee $145)
Phase IB (60 hours, fee $435)
Phase II (60 hours, fee $435)
Phase III (60 hours, fee $435)

Fee payments for the phases are made prior to the beginning of each phase.

24 Hour Pre-Service Program
All participants who are interested in obtaining their CE must complete the 24 Hour Pre-Service Program. The MUJC offers the 24 Hour Pre-Service Program and has sessions scheduled periodically throughout the school year. The cost of the 24 Hour Pre-Service Program is $200.

Holders of Elementary K-5 CEs
For participants who are holders of CEs in Elementary K-5, two additional programs are required. They are the:

45 Hour Program of Study in the Teaching of Elementary Language Arts/Literacy, and
45 Hour Program of Study in the Teaching of Mathematics.

The fee for each of the 45 hour programs is $325. Provisional teachers holding an elementary K-5 CE may be exempted from completing the 45 Hours of Study in the Teaching of Language Arts/Literacy and/or the 45 Hour Program of Study in the Teaching of Mathematics. Additional details on exemption will be posted on the NJDOE website.

Resources/Contacts

Detailed information about the alternate route programs, certification and application process is available online at http://www.nj.gov/njded/educators/license which is the NJDOE Licensure & Credentials home page.
Office of Licensure and Credentials, 609-292-2070, from 3 PM to 6 PM.
To check the status of a certification application, go to http://www.nj.gov/njded/educators/license. Under "Online Resources," click on "Check Application Status.";

For further information about the MUJC ARTP offerings, email ARTP@mujc.org or by phone 908-464-7625, ext. 1109.