In addition to the application requirements for the Certificate Level, the State License Level application includes an evaluation of “dispositions,” which reflect values and beliefs regarding teaching and learning. Research has shown that teacher beliefs, such as holding high expectations for the performance of all students, can significantly influence student learning and achievement. For this reason, dispositions are part of the program’s evaluation framework at all levels of the program, including the student teaching semesters. To be considered for admission, students who begin the program as undergraduates must have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 at the time of application. The state requires that cohorts of admitted students have an overall GPA of 3.0, and students with a GPA below 3.0 may be denied admittance if their GPA lowers the cohort average below the 3.0 requirement.

In order to be eligible for New Jersey CEAS license, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the completion of the program. Current graduate students, as well as Princeton undergraduate and graduate alumni who choose the post-baccalaureate option must provide an undergraduate transcript for review. Post- baccalaureate students must have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 to enter the program (subject to the 3.0 cohort GPA requirement described above) and complete the program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their post-baccalaureate coursework in order to be recommended for the NJ CEAS teaching license.

Students with a GPA below 3.0 at the completion of the program, either undergraduate, graduate, or alumni, may still be eligible for certification if other conditions set by the State are met in regard to GPA and Praxis Subject Area test scores.

The New Jersey State Department of Education requires all candidates entering a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) educator preparation program to meet the State’s basic skills requirement prior to being accepted into the program. A candidate who demonstrates a score on the SAT, ACT, or GRE at or above the State cut score for the year in which the exam was taken is exempt from taking the State required Praxis Core Academic Skills Test. Visit the NJDOE for more information.

The State of New Jersey also requires as a condition for state licensure that all individuals to submit an Oath of Allegiance/Verification of Accuracy form that asks candidates to sign a statement supporting the U.S. Constitution and the N.J. State Constitution. The form also contains several background questions. Candidates are provided this form at application to help determine if all requirements reflected in the form can be met. It is the candidate’s responsibility to inform the program of any change of status during their work in the program that would result in a change of response to any question on the Oath of Allegiance form.

For detailed information or questions about the requirements, please email [email protected].