New Pathways to Teaching

New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey (NPTNJ) provides an opportunity for people to become teachers who have a BS, BA, or higher degree and who did not complete a traditional teacher preparation program. The program is a collaborative effort between participating New Jersey Community Colleges and New Jersey City University (NJCU). This unique partnership provides students the opportunity to earn graduate credits (400 hours=24 graduate credits) toward numerous NJCU graduate degrees in education as well as transfer those credits to other colleges and universities including Rowan University.

NPTNJ offers personalized advice and guidance in navigating the New Jersey Department of Education regulations. 

There is strong faculty support and interesting on-line coursework throughout the program.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelors or higher degree
• A sincere desire to become a K-6, middle school, or K-12 teacher in New Jersey

• 3.0 minimum GPA in Bachelors or highest degree (Those individuals graduating prior to September 1, 2016 with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, please contact the coordinator for additional information).
• Completion of the on-line 50 Hour Introduction to Teaching Class
• This program is not appropriate for individuals seeking the Pre K to Grade 3 certification or Career and Technical Certificates of Eligibility. Please contact the coordinator for additional information about the CE that you are planning to pursue.

NPTNJ Offered in Four Semesters

Semesters 1 to 4 each offer two graduate level courses introducing the participant to the world of teaching in the K-12 classroom.  A contracted teaching position with access to students in a school or educational agency is necessary for enrollment in the semester 1-4 courses.  A Certificate of Eligibility in hand, rather than in process, is required to enter Semester 1.

Getting Started

The 50-Hour Intro to Teaching Class is being offered completely online with Brookdale Community College. More information about Brookdale's program can be found here.

If you attended RCBC’s New Pathways to Teaching program prior to November of 2022 and are looking for documentation such as your VOPC, please reach out to Ashley Pezzolla at apezzolla@rcbc.edu; (856) 291-3512.