Why Take the Introduction to Teaching Course at CCM?
CCM’s 50-hour ‘Introduction to Teaching’ course is taught in the evening, remote-live via Zoom, and is perfect for prospective educators who work or attend classes during the day. It is also taught by a nationally-recognized instructor with decades of teaching experience at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels who will emphasize the knowledge and skills you’ll need to be an effective teacher. This course meets the entrance requirements of Brookdale Community College, so students can continue their alternate route teaching there. Students who wish to continue taking their courses at another New Jersey college or university should check with that institution about whether this course satisfies their requirements.
What You Will Need to Sign Up for the Introduction to Teaching Course:
· A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
· A cumulative 2.75 GPA or higher if you graduated prior to September 2016
· A cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher if you graduated after September 2016
Information Session August 25
Monday, August 25, 2025, 7-8 p.m.
Remote-Live via Zoom
Bob Grundfest, Alternate Route to Teaching instructor, will present and address any questions regarding the program and process. Register to receive the Zoom link.
What You Will Learn:
This 50-hour course requires 30 hours of classroom training, 8 hours of observing other NJ certified teachers and 12 hours of direct student contact as a substitute, tutor or after-school program teacher. You will learn how to:
- Create a professional portfolio that includes an objective-oriented, engaging lesson plan, Philosophy of Education, resume, and cover letter
- Manage your classroom and devise a classroom management plan
- Assess and evaluate student learning
- Integrate technology into your classroom
- Include learning strategies to teach students at all developmental and social levels
- Incorporate literacy instruction across the curriculum
- Value the connection between teachers and parents/caregivers in order to support students in their academic endeavors.
- Learn the responsibilities inherent in being an effective educator and valued member of the community in which you teach
Curriculum
Students who already have a bachelor’s degree but lack teacher certification can enter the program to begin the process of becoming a teacher in New Jersey. The Introduction to Teaching course curriculum is divided into 10 three-hour sessions. Each session will require readings, participation in class discussions, and short, focused assignments that students will complete in class. Students will continue with the rest of the Alternate Route curriculum by taking additional courses through Brookdale Community College once they obtain a CE and a teaching position.
The Certification Process
In addition to taking the Introduction to Teaching course, prospective teachers will also need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) to be employed in a New Jersey school. Please note: A Certificate of Eligibility is not required to register for the CCM pre-service course. This can be done before, during, or after taking the course.
To enter the 350-hour semester phase of the program a candidate must possess a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) from the NJ Department of Education and successfully pass the Praxis II. Candidates are required to have a contract teaching position as the teacher of record (not a teacher assistant or substitute) and must have their district or school enroll them in the Provisional Teacher Program (PTP) to enter the 4 semesters of training.
Before beginning the Alternate Route to Teaching process, prospective candidates should review the following websites:
Create an account on NJEdCert: https://njdoe.my.site.com/manage/s/
Go to this site: https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/teachers/index.shtml
- Review the Certificate of Eligibility (CE)–Alternate Route Section
- Scroll down to the Instructional Endorsement Specifications and click on the subject or grade level you want to teach to learn the requirements for that certificate.
- Students should also review the certificates the state offers at this site: https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/certsandtitles/
Candidates complete the 50-hour Alternate Route to Teaching Preservice course at CCM. The remaining 350 hours are spread across six courses of online learning at Brookdale. Please go the Brookdale Community College Alternate Route to Teaching page: https://www.brookdalecc.edu/continuinged/careerdevelopment/alternate-route-to-teaching/ for more information on their courses, call them at 732-224-2883 or email kderose@brookdalecc.edu.
Alternate Route to Teaching
Introduction to Teaching: 50-hour Preservice Component (ALT-113E)
This 50-hour course requires 30 hours of classroom training, 8 hours of observing other NJ certified teachers and 12 hours of direct student contact as a substitute, tutor or after-school program teacher. *Textbook required
Instructor: Robert Grundfest, MEd
April 7-June 16 from 6-9 p.m.
Remote-live
10 sessions: 30 hours, CEU 3.0
Course: 28521
Cost: $399
ISBN-10 : 0976423383
ISBN-13 : 978-0976423386
Registration closes 3 business days before a class begins.
Please plan ahead and register before the class closes!
Refund Policy
NJDOE Verification of Completion Form
About the Instructor
Robert I. Grundfest, MEd – Bob is a retired New Jersey Certified Social Studies Teacher for Grades 6-12 and a New Jersey Certified Elementary Teacher. He has been training and supporting prospective teachers for the Alternate Route and the New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey (NPTNJ) program since 2003 and has been an educator in public schools and universities for over 40 years. Teaching defines him professionally, and he brings a passion for education to the classroom every day.
Contact Us
Center for Workforce Development, County College of Morris
Student Community Center, Room 125
214 Center Grove Road, Randolph NJ 07869
E: wfd@ccm.edu
P: 973-328-5187
