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!)