A. New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey (NPTNJ) is a new version of the Alternate Route Program in New Jersey. It is different from the original Alternate Route in the following ways:

• NPTNJ includes a spring/summer preparation program incorporating classroom management techniques and on-site classroom observations
• NPTNJ provides graduate-level coursework with the option of graduate credit or certification only.
• NPTNJ is available statewide at local community colleges
• NPTNJ is a consortium between New Jersey City University and NJ Community Colleges
Note: There is no difference in the classroom experience between graduate credit and non-credit students. All course work including assignments and reading is identical. The only difference between these two options is the cost and the awarding of graduate credit rather than a certificate of completion.
Rutgers University only coordinates classes for the original Alternate Route.

A. The alternate route candidate must complete thirty four weeks of full time teaching under a mentor while completing 200 hours of formal instruction. Once hired under the Certificate of Eligibility, his time in the program begins when the school registers him with this office. Although his provisional certificate was issued in January, it covers the academic year from the start date supplied by the school when he was registered in the Provisional Teacher Program.

A. There is an appeal process for candidates who are disapproved or given two ratings of insufficient. The relevant code follows:
6A:9-17.18 Appeal of "disapproved" or "insufficient" recommendations for standard certification
(a) A candidate who receives a recommendation of "disapproved" or two recommendations of "insufficient" at the conclusion of a provisional program may appeal the certification recommendation to the Board of Examiners. Where an individual has received two "insufficient" recommendations, only the second adverse recommendation shall be the subject of the appeal. The following procedures shall apply:
1. The candidate shall file 21 copies of the appeal with the Secretary within 60 days of receipt of the final evaluation and certification recommendation. The appeal shall take the form of a written statement and include evidence documenting the reasons why the candidate believes that he or she should be awarded a standard certificate or be granted an additional opportunity for provisional employment.
2. The Secretary shall forward a copy of the candidate’s submission in support of the appeal to the school district that issued the disputed rating. Within 30 days from the date of the Secretary’s letter notifying the district of the appeal, the district shall forward 21 copies of all evaluations and certification recommendation to the Secretary. In addition, the district shall submit 21 copies of either a response to the candidate’s appeal of the district’s recommendation or a statement that the district will rely solely on the evaluations submitted. The district shall serve a copy of its response on the candidate and submit proof of service to the Secretary with its papers. Neither party shall submit additional papers without the Secretary’s approval.
3. The candidate shall be responsible for demonstrating to the Board of Examiners why he or she should be granted the relief requested. The Board of Examiners shall decide the appeal based on the written submissions and shall issue a written decision.
4. If the Board of Examiners determines that there is a need for further fact-finding in order to decide an appeal of an adverse recommendation, it may transmit the matter to OAL for a hearing pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, N.J.S.A. 52:14B-1 et seq., and the Uniform Administrative Procedures Rules, N.J.A.C. 1:1. The parties to the hearing shall be the provisional teacher and the district that submitted the adverse certification recommendation. The Board of Examiners shall consider the recommendation of the ALJ in deciding the appeal.
(b) The sole remedies that the Board of Examiners may provide an aggrieved candidate pursuant to this section are issuance of a standard certificate or an opportunity to seek further employment as a provisional teaching staff member. A provisional teaching staff member who seeks additional relief from the employing board of education shall file a petition requesting such relief with the Commissioner in accord with N.J.A.C. 6A:3.
(c) For good cause shown, the Board of Examiners may relax the 60-day requirement in (a) above.
(d) Candidates who receive a recommendation of "disapproved" or two recommendations of "insufficient," and who have not challenged the certification recommendation pursuant to (a) above may petition the Board of Examiners for approval of an additional opportunity to seek provisional employment. The candidate shall be responsible for demonstrating by clear and convincing evidence to the Board of Examiners why he or she would be likely to succeed if granted the requested opportunity. The following procedures shall apply:
1. The candidate shall file 21 copies of a written statement and evidence documenting why the Board of Examiners should grant the request.
2. The Secretary shall forward a copy of the candidate’s submission to the school district that issued the disputed rating. Within 30 days from the date of the Secretary’s letter to the district, the district shall forward to the Secretary its response to the candidate’s request. The district shall serve a copy of its response on the candidate and include a proof of service with the papers. Neither party shall file additional papers without the Secretary’s approval.
3. The Board of Examiners shall decide the request based solely on the written submissions and shall issue a written decision.

A. Yes, the principal should wait until he receives your Phase III report that says the candidate has completed it satisfactorily, before resubmitting the form.

A.  Regarding mentors, schools may modify the 20 day mentoring aspect of the program for alternate route teachers based on previous experience of teachers. They may not waive the 20 day experience completely, and they may not waive the $450 fee for mentoring, which is a requirement for licensure.

A.  The program requires that you be mentored. Consider bringing the oversight to the attention of your building administrator.