Program Overview

The Program in Teacher Preparation offers Princeton University undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni the opportunity to earn the University certificate and, with the completion of additional requirements, the New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing, the state’s initial teaching license. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Annual reporting measures regarding program performance and accountability are available on the program’s website. Teacher Prep also offers an Urban Specialization for students interested in urban teaching.

Students are encouraged to apply early, during the freshman or sophomore year. Juniors and seniors may also apply to the program, but they should consult with a member of the program staff before submitting an application to ensure that all requirements can be met. Upon acceptance to the program, students are assigned a Teacher Prep advisor to guide the student in choosing their courses and completing the requirements for a teaching license. The program also offers a post-baccalaureate option for current graduate students and both undergraduate and graduate alumni.

The program offers three levels of coursework for students to accommodate a wide range of interests in education. 
Introductory Level 

The Introductory Level allows any student at the University to deepen their knowledge of teaching, learning, and the nation’s schools by taking one or both of the program’s introductory courses: TPP 301 and PSY 307. 

Certificate Level 

The Certificate Level is designed for students who would like to earn a credential relevant to education, but who are not interested in seeking a state license to teach. Undergraduates may earn the University certificate by taking the first four program courses (PSY 307, TPP 301, TPP 403, and TPP 404). 

State License Level 

The State License Level allows students to earn the NJ Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS), the state’s initial teaching license. Students at this level must take all the courses required for the Certificate Level and then return after graduation to complete the full-time student teaching courses (TPP 405 and TPP 406), complete the program’s Professional Portfolio, and pass the New Jersey State required assessments (Praxis Subject Area Test(s), the program's performance assessment, and an oral proficiency test for licensure in specified World Languages).

Learn which states recognize the NJ Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS).