FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the dates for filing an Application for Certification?
- How do I fill out the application?
- How and what fee(s) do I pay?
- What, if any, documents do I need to submit with my certification application?
- Where do I send my completed application, fees and supporting documentation?
- What is the difference between filing an Application for Graduation and an Application for Certification?
- Are faxed applications and/or documents accepted?
- I filed my certification application the beginning of the semester. When will I get my certification?
- I have been promised a job, but I do not have my certification yet. What do I do?
- I want to apply for a teaching position to a school district. What should I send in with my resume?
- Can I apply for teaching positions before completion of student teaching?
- How do I apply for permanent certification?
ANSWERS:
1. What are the dates for filing an Application for Certification?
Fall - September 1 to October 31
Spring - January 20 to March 15
Summer - June 1 to July 15
2. How do I fill out the application?
Please see the Directions for Application for Certification.
3. How and what fee(s) do I pay?
The State Department of Education, not the University, charges the fee for the certificate. Please note that you must file a separate application and separate payment for each certification requested. Payment must accompany your certification application. Payment may be made by check or money order (payable to Rowan University) only. Due to recent changes in processing requirements, credit card payments are no longer being accepted for certification application fees. The certification fees are listed in the Application for Certification Directions.
4. What, if any, documents do I need to submit with my certification application?
If you have any teaching/educational services experience (Substitute and Student Teaching NOT included), you will need to submit a letter from the principal or superintendent on official letterhead with original signatures verifying length of FULL TIME employment. Dates of employment and position(s) held must be included in the letter. If you already have a teaching/educational services certificate, you need to submit a copy of that certificate with your application.
5. Where do I send my completed application, fees and supporting documentation?
Completed applications, fees and supporting documentation may be mailed to:
Rowan University
College of Education
Advising & Field Experiences Center
Herman D. James Hall
201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028
Attention: Laurie Haines
6. What is the difference between filing an Application for Graduation and an Application for Certification?
Certification and graduation are two separate processes. If you are a candidate for New Jersey State certification, you must complete the Application for Certification, which is available online, or in the College of Education Advising & Field Experiences Center, Herman D. James Hall. Degree candidates who plan on completing their degree program must file an Application for Graduation on Self Service Banner. For more information please contact the Office of the Registrar.
7. Are faxed applications and/or documents accepted?
We do not accept faxes of the certification application, or original supporting documentation of years teaching experience. A fax of your initial New Jersey Certificate, in response to question number 11 on the certification application, will be accepted. Our fax number is: (856) 256-5624.
8. I filed my certification application the beginning of the semester. When will I get my certification?
If your application is complete, barring any unforeseen circumstances, your certificate should be issued by the NJ Department of Education six to eight weeks after your degree and/or final grades have posted. Please note that we need to verify that you have graduated and/or completed all courses in a certificate program. PLEASE NOTE: As of May 15, 2015, paper certificates will no longer be issued by the NJ Department of Education. All information about certificates is now available online including certificate name, certificate ID number, date of issuance, and expiration date if applicable at NJ DOE Application Status Search. Instructions to view this information can be found by clicking here. Your certification information will not be available until AFTER your certificate is officially issued by the NJ DOE.
9. I have been promised a job, but I do not have my certification yet. What do I do?
Students must contact their College of Education academic advisors to request a letter of completion. All grades must be in before Rowan University will issue a letter of completion.
Note to Undergraduates and Masters Candidates: Letters of Completion and/or Recommendations will not be submitted until degrees are posted.
Post-Baccalaureate Students: Letters of Completion and/or Recommendations will not be submitted until grades are posted and program completion is verified by your advisor.
10. I want to apply for a teaching position to a school district. What should I send in with my resume?
Along with your resume and cover letter, it would be helpful if you included a copy of your PRAXIS test scores, any letters of recommendation you may have, and copies of any college/university transcripts.
11. Can I apply for teaching positions before completion of student teaching?
Yes. Rowan University'Äôs Career Management Center (CMC) hosts the Education Expo, which brings schools in New Jersey together with Rowan University students and alumni. For more information, visit The Career Management Center.
12. How do I apply for permanent certification?
During your first year of teaching, you will be enrolled in the Provisional Teacher Program by your hiring district. You will be assigned a mentor and support team. Upon successful completion of your first year of full-time employment, your support team makes the recommendation to the state for permanent certification.
