History

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Reflections on the 30-Year Success of the Alternative Route Teaching Program

Before this program “Einstein could not have taught math in New Jersey” on the K-12 level"

Just over 30 years ago, Governor Tom Kean proposed landmark education reform through the Alternative Route Certification Program, which radically changed existing teacher training and certification laws.  The legislation allowed those with a bachelor’s degree in key subject areas to shorten the route to teacher certification and eliminate many education course requirements. This program is now an integral part of not just the New Jersey teacher employment system, but also is employed in many states nationwide.

Kean, who was the state’s 48^thGovernor and is known worldwide for his role as chairman of the 9/11 Commission, reflects on the success of the Alternative Route Certification Program.

How did you know that this idea and the resulting legislation would be so successful?

Thirty years ago, with little idea of what career path to choose, Mike Harris felt his life resembled a scene from the movie, The Graduate.

“I was Dustin Hoffman floating in the pool,” he said, referring to the iconic scene that is so relatable to many recent college graduates. After graduating from Kenyon College as a religion major, Harris considered applying to law school but only because he had no clear idea of what he wanted to do. He was working in the insurance industry, but was miserable there.  “I was thinking every day ‘if I stay in this job for too much longer, I’m going to die,” he recalls.

Rutgers University students have adopted the Arbor trail located behind the University Inn and Conference Center on Cook campus. Read more

On-campus lodging venue unveils special offers for 2015 celebration

            NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Rutgers’ only on-campus lodging and conference facility in New Brunswick/Piscataway – which hit an all-time high in guest room occupancy in 2014 – turns 50 this year and is celebrating with special offers and events.

            The Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center is offering monthly specials throughout its anniversary year while also hosting two open houses and an overnight stay giveaway during Rutgers Day on Saturday, April 25. For example, the inn is offering:

Environmental planning and design major Eliot Nagele (SEBS ’15) is undertaking the restoration of a historic trail running behind the University Inn and Conference Center. Previously used for recreational and educational purposes the trail has fallen into disuse and become overgrown. Nagele asked Inn Director Deana Pagnozzi, "Would we be interested in having him work on the trail? Of course we were thrilled for him to volunteer.”

Nadele's faculty advisor Jean Marie Hartman and Dean of Academic Programs Rick Ludescher facilitated the creation and funding of an internship that has allowed Nagele to conduct research, begin cleanup, and reach out to faculty, students and staff across the university.

New classes in acting, aromatherapy, history and film are on the schedule for the upcoming winter 2013 session of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University (OLLI-RU), offering lifelong learning opportunities for persons over 50.

Enrollment is in progress until December 21 for OLLI-RU’s winter session from January 9 through February 7. Most classes are offered at two locations: the Reformed Church of Highland Park, 23 S. Second Ave., and the Western Monmouth Higher Education Center, 3680 Route 9 South, Freehold. The facilities are handicapped accessible with free on-site parking.

OLLI-RU courses are taught by active and retired educators from high schools, colleges and universities, including Rutgers. There are no grades or tests, and a college degree is not required for any of the noncredit courses or seminars.  Classes meet once a week for five weeks.