Ducks in a Row

I made my list, and I checked it twice… I don’t know about naughty, but my CE application paperwork looks nice!

I’m applying for the K-12 Mathematics certificate, which is endorsement code 1900. There’s a run-down of the general requirements below the picture, but the exact requirements for each certificate are on the NJ website here:
http://www.nj.gov/cgi-bin/education/license/endorsement.pl?string=999&maxhits=1000&field=2

Mine, for Math:
http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/endorsements/1900CE.pdf

Now I have all my ducks in a row… or at least in an envelope:

• My sealed official transcript - This shows that I have a B.A. in math and French, which included the required amount of subject matter credits. It also includes my GPA and a course that covers the “24 hour” requirement (more about this below the picture).
• The PDF printout of my praxis results - (The “official” report was sent to Trenton when I took it, but the PDF will help them find it.)
• The Oath of Allegiance form, all stamped and signed (aka notarized)
• http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/forms/verify.pdf
• Banks have notaries - all you have to do is bring the unsigned form and a photo ID.
• “Application Status” page from TCIS - this shows the certificate I applied for, and my tracking number.
• http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/tcis/
• (This isn’t required; I just included it in case it makes things easier.)
• Everything has my TCIS tracking number and/or my Social Security Number written on it, in case any pages get misplaced.

If you’re curious, here’s a quick highlight of general requirements that you have to meet for any K-12 subject-area CE:

• Degree/GPA -
  + Bachelor’s degree (or better) in anything.
  + GPA of 2.75 or better; 2.5 if you (a) graduated before September 1, 2004 or (b) scored very well on the Praxis. More info here: http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/gpa.htm

• Subject Matter Study - Most degree programs will meet this requirement, but double-check. You do not have to have majored in the subject you’re applying for, you just need the following:
  + Minimum of 30 credits in your subject
  + At least 12 of those credits must be at least “junior” level (e.g. classes numbered 300 or above).

• Praxis II Test - Passing score in your subject’s test. There’s so much to say about the Praxis, it’s getting its own post soon!

• OPI (Foreign Languages only) - Pass the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview. For most languages, you have to demonstrate “Advanced-Low” proficiency during your telephone interview. More info here:
  http://www.nj.gov/education/aps/cccs/wl/highered/centers.htm

• 24 Hour Pre-service - I met this requirement through an “Intro to Teaching” course at my university, but there are various courses and programs to cover it. There’s a list of them about halfway down this page:
  http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/advisories/applicant.htm

• Notarized Oath of Allegiance/Verification of Accuracy form -
  http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/forms/verify.pdf
  Banks will usually notarize things for free, for their customers. All you have to do is bring the unsigned form, a photo ID, and possibly your debit card.
  Blog post here: http://alternaterouteteaching.blogspot.com/2012/02/i-miss-n-do-solemnlysear-or-affirm-that.html

• Apply and pay the $190 fee online -
  http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/tcis/
  More on this step in its own blog post: http://alternaterouteteaching.blogspot.com/2012/01/no-turning-back.html

• Physiology and Hygiene -
  + Pass a 35 question True/False test administered in the county office of education. You have to do this after you submit your online application and pay the fee.
  Phone Numbers by County: http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/county.htm
  + Alternately, you can submit evidence of basic military training or a college course such as biology, health or nutrition. (So I guess biology teachers are in the clear, on this one!)

I Solemnly Swear

I, Miss N, do solemnly swear, (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the governments established in the United States and in this State, under the authority of the people.
I did, in fact, swear that today (substituting the screen name with my legal one). That oath is part of the “Oath of Allegiance / Verification of Accuracy” form, which is one of the requirements of teaching certification. It’s actually a 4-part document:

A) Personal information (address, etc.) and the certificate you’re applying for (In my case, that’s code 1900 - Mathematics Certificate of Eligibility)

B) The actual oath; you just fill your name into it. There are actually two options: one ending with “so help me God” and one not

C) Two “Yes” or “No” questions about having had certification revoked, and your criminal history

D) Certification that “all statements and information provided herein are true and accurate.”

The PDF can be downloaded here:
http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/forms/verify.pdf

This form must be notarized, which is actually pretty easy in NJ. Most banks have notary publics, so I just ran over to the branch next to my office during lunch. The notary has to watch you sign it, but the rest can be filled out beforehand. A driver’s license is sufficient ID, and sometimes they’ll ask for your debit card to verify that you’re a customer.

That was actually the last piece of documentation that I needed; now I just have to get everything into an envelope, double-check it, and drop it in the mail!