Alternative pathways to teaching certification

Addressing the teacher shortage

There is no denying the invaluable role teachers play in our lives. From preschool through high school, their unwavering support shapes us into the adults we become. Unfortunately, the stress of the pandemic and other factors have caused teachers to leave the profession in alarming numbers. According to NJ Education Report, New Jersey reported 2,000 fewer teachers in February 2024 than pre-pandemic. As the teacher shortage in New Jersey and across the nation continues to challenge the education system, higher education institutions must prioritize teacher education and encourage students to pursue this in-demand profession. 

Alternative pathways to teaching certification are becoming increasingly important. Rider University’s College of Education and Human Services offers innovative programs and opportunities for individuals interested in becoming teachers in New Jersey. These programs provide unique pathways to certification and play a crucial role in addressing the teacher shortage.

Rider’s pathways to your teacher certification

Rider offers a variety of options designed for career changers as well as recent college graduates who have not completed a formal teacher preparation program.

• Post-baccalaureate Teacher Certification program: This program is offered both full-time and part-time for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-teaching-related area. Students who are interested in secondary education should have completed coursework in a specific content area, such as biology, English, or social studies, whereas those interested in teaching in an elementary or preschool setting should have a background in liberal arts. 
• 2-year Alternate Route Teacher Certification program: This program is offered part-time for those who have obtained a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) through the NJ Department of Education and have been hired as a full-time teacher by a New Jersey public school based on their CE. The school district must then agree to enroll the individual in Rider’s 2-year Alternate Route program as part of the Provisional Teacher Process.
• Graduate-level teacher preparation: The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program offers individuals a chance to obtain a graduate degree while simultaneously earning their teaching certification. The program is tailored to meet the needs of those transitioning from other careers as well as recent college graduates. Post-baccalaureate program students only need three additional courses to complete the MAT degree while alternate route students only need one. 

Students also have the opportunity to add certificates and endorsements in high-demand areas such as special education and English as a second language (ESL) to their teaching license. These programs address critical shortages in specific teaching areas, and provide students with strategies and techniques to better the field of education.

Why Rider 

Rider's dedication to preparing effective, innovative educators ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern classroom and make a positive impact on their students' lives. Led by expert faculty, students in Rider’s teacher certification programs integrate classroom field experiences and observations with research and theory to develop their professional teaching dispositions and methods. 

Thanks to its partnership with The State of New Jersey, the University is able to give back to eligible NJ public school employees by offering a 20% tuition reduction for undergraduate or graduate study. The discount may also be applied for immediate family members (under the age of 24) of eligible employees. Other partners include Lawrence Township Public Schools, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District and Ewing Public Schools.  

Rider University's alternative pathways to teaching certification are a crucial part of the solution to the teacher shortage in New Jersey. By providing accessible, high-quality programs that attract and train new teachers, Rider is helping to ensure that every student in the state has access to the education they deserve. Through ongoing support, specialized training, and community partnerships, Rider University is shaping the next generation of educators and making a meaningful difference in the world of education.