- Select a Certification Area: See the complete list of State of New Jersey-approved certifications and endorsements. Review subject matter preparation to confirm that you have/can fulfill the required undergraduate hours in a content area. TCNJ will assist with transcript review if you are unsure if you qualify for a specific content area.
- Apply for Certification: See instructions and 10-Point Checklist for the New Jersey Educator Certification (NJEdCert) Application.
- Seek Employment: With a Certificate of Eligibility (CE), participants are eligible to apply for employment in a New Jersey school district.
- Apply to TCNJ: Students may begin taking coursework through TCNJ’s Off-Site Graduate Programs (OSGP) either as a visiting, non-matriculated student (3 course maximum, no financial aid available) or by matriculating into a program of study (financial aid options available for matriculated students).
- Begin Coursework: Once enrolled as visiting or matriculated students, they may begin taking coursework toward certificates and a master’s degree. TCNJ offers courses online throughout the academic year and during the summer on a convenient schedule designed for working professionals.
- Testing Requirements: Prepare for and take Praxis II. TCNJ will provide test prep and resources.
Residents for Innovation in Urban Schools and Student Empowerment (RISE)
RISE is an accelerated Master of Education program designed to equip 10 students of color who are recent bachelor’s degree graduates with the skills to become successful teachers. This program builds on long-standing partnerships with high-need urban school districts in the TCNJ School of Education’s Professional Development School Network. Qualified residents (students) prepare for teaching careers through rigorous graduate coursework; multi-layered mentoring by faculty and practitioners of color; and a comprehensive, job-embedded induction program that includes coaching and professional learning communities. Students can pursue a Master of Education in one of three areas: elementary education, secondary education, or teaching English as a second language.
Program Coordinators: Salika Lawrence and Shamaine Bertrand, TCNJrise@tcnj.edu
By the Numbers
10
- Residents per cohort
18
-
Months in this accelerated
master's degree program
100%
-
Online courses with
off-site tuition rates
FAQs
Who Should Pursue This Program?
This fully accredited program is ideal if you hold a bachelor’s degree earned in the United States (or one that has been evaluated and deemed equivalent to a four-year degree from a U.S. program) and you are interested in becoming a teacher in an urban New Jersey school district. You must be eligible to earn a New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility, and you can seek employment under the CE while taking your coursework while pursuing this master’s degree.
What Are the Benefits?
- Convenience: Courses are offered online, and students can begin taking courses during any term.
- Reputation: Courses are taught by TCNJ faculty and adjuncts, bringing quality instruction to students throughout the state.
- Networking: Participants will be included in programming on TCNJ’s campus and through Off-Site Graduate Programs. They will learn from renowned scholars and can connect with educators throughout the state and across the globe.
- Cost: Students pay off-site graduate tuition rates , and the course schedule is designed to maximize possible district reimbursement where applicable.
Who Are Our Partners?
Burlington City Public Schools, TCNJ School of Education and the Professional Development School Network, TCNJ School of Humanities and Social Sciences, TCNJ School of the Arts and Communication, TCNJ School of Science, Educational Testing Service, Medgar Evers College, and the New Jersey Education Association’s Center for Future Educators.
All residency program candidates must complete a graduate application and provide the required supplemental materials to be considered for admission. All candidates must be matriculated (admitted) to participate in coursework and become eligible for financial aid. See step-by-step instructions for applying to the program (PDF).
- Essay (personal statement, no more than two pages, expressing your professional goals and reasons for wanting to enroll as a graduate student at TCNJ)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Copy of resume
- Official undergraduate transcript
- $75 application fee*
*Application fee waived if you have attended a RISE information session/orientation event
Upon matriculation, students must complete the following:
- Graduate pre-entrance health requirements
- Pay a one-time LiveText fee ($139)
This program is designed to be accelerated, allowing candidates to complete certification and a master’s degree in one year plus one semester.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition for Year One | Summer: $4,380; Fall: $3,606; Winter: $1,803; Spring: $5,409 (Total: $15,412) |
| Tuition for Year Two | Summer: $3,606; Fall: $3,606; Graduation Application Fee: $100 (Total: $7,312) |
| Visiting Student Application | $0 |
| Application Fee | $75* |
| LiveText Fee (required of all students) | $139 |
2023-2024 approved rates.
*The application fee is waived for those who attend an information session.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition for Year One | Summer: $3,606; Fall: $3,606; Winter: $1,803; Spring: $2,577; Application Fee: $75; Live Text Fee: $139 (Total: $11,806) |
| Tuition for Year Two | Summer: $3,606; Fall: $3,351; Application for Graduation: $100; (Total: $7,057) |
| Visiting Student Application | $0 |
| Application/Matriculation Fee | $75* |
| LiveText Fee (required of all students) | $139 |
| Application for Graduation | $100 |
2023-2024 approved rates.
*The application fee is waived for those who attend an information session.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Winter 2024 | Review program details Residency candidates should review program details as well as financial aid and funding opportunities. |
| January 1-March 1 | Apply for Admission (Matriculation) All residency program candidates must complete a graduate application/provide the required supplemental materials to be considered for admission. All candidates must be matriculated (admitted) to participate in coursework and become eligible for financial aid. See step-by-step instructions for applying to the program (PDF). |
| January 31 | Online Information Session (6:30 p.m.) Geared toward candidates who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. |
| February 7 | On-Campus Information Session (1:00 p.m.) Geared toward current TCNJ students. |
| March 15 | Application Deadline Final deadline to matriculate for Summer 2024 courses. |
| March 15-April 15 | Residency Interviews Residency candidates will interview with faculty (in-person and online options). |
| April 20 | Admissions Decisions Residency program candidates will be notified of their admission status. |
| May 1 | Confirmation of Acceptance/Participation Contract Candidates accepted to the residency program must confirm their plans to enroll in Summer 2024. If an offer of admission is accepted, candidates must also submit a participation contract (to be provided at the time of acceptance). |
| May 1-19 | Summer 2024 Registration Residency candidates will be registered for Summer 2024 courses. Upon registration, candidates will receive a confirmation email outlining confirmed course dates, information to access TCNJ systems, and instructions on how to make tuition payments. |
| May 20 | Financial Aid Deadline
Residents who are 1) matriculated in the RISE program and 2) registered for at least five credits in the Summer 2024 semester are eligible to apply for financial aid. This requires two separate applications:
|
| Summer 2024 | RISE program begins |
Residents who matriculated in the RISE program and registered for at least five credits in the Summer 2024 semester are eligible to apply for financial aid.
This requires two separate applications:
- For Summer 2024 courses, apply for aid through the 2023-2024 FAFSA. See Financial Aid for Summer Programs.
- For Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 courses, apply for academic year aid through the 2024-2025 FAFSA. See Financial Assistance for Graduate Students.
Scholarships
Federal Programs
Contact
RISE Urban Residency Program
The College of New Jersey
P.O. Box 7718
2000 Pennington Rd.
Ewing, NJ 08628
Salika Lawrence and Shamaine Bertrand, Program Coordinators
TCNJrise@tcnj.edu