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Teacher Assistant to Teacher

About TA to Teacher

The Teacher Assistant (TA) to Teach Program at Ramapo College empowers individuals to become full-time, qualified educators. Teacher Assistants (TAs) and paraprofessionals are put on a fast-track to obtain their teaching certifications in elementary and special education.

In the TA to Teacher Program, you can attain the following:

  • Initial NJ Teacher CEAS in an accelerated model, Phase I
  • NJ Teacher of Students with Disabilities CE in Phase I
  • Master of Arts in Special Education Phase II
  • NJ Teacher of Students with Disabilities CEAS within Phase II

This rigorous program begins annually every Fall semester and provides students with the courses, experiences, and credentials they need to be qualified professional educators. Teacher Education programs at Ramapo College are CAEP accredited.

Increased Demand for Teaching Professionals

There is currently a teacher shortage in the United States and, specifically, in New Jersey. The demand for quality teachers who are dedicated, passionate, and driven is higher than ever before. We, at Ramapo and in Teacher Education, are committed to preparing teachers to meet this public challenge and need.

The College has partnered with the Morris-Union Jointure Commission (MUJC) and Bergen County Special Services (BCSS) in this essential and ongoing effort.

TA to Teacher Apprenticeship Grant

Department of Labor LogoScholarships are available for those interested in the TA to Teacher program through the U.S. Department of Labor-approved registered teacher Apprenticeship Grant Program. Included in this support:

  • Supplies, materials, and technology (laptops)
  • Online courses to accommodate busy schedules and commitments
  • Personalized learning plans to address individual needs
  • Access to mentorship and coaching from experienced educators
  • Pathways with school districts for teacher aides to transition into teaching roles
  • And more

TAs will receive continuous guidance throughout the certification process from the Office of Certification in TE.

Ramapo

TA to Teacher Program Details

Ramapo College of New Jersey is excited about this program and offering this pathway to educators in the State of New Jersey. TA to Teacher has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of teacher assistants and the students they teach.

We invite you to learn more about the Ramapo College TA to Teacher Program by browsing the information below.

Benefits of the TA to Teacher Program
  • Fast-track, mostly virtual – Allows students to earn their teaching degree in one year
  • Practical – Provides students with skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the classroom
  • Collaborative – Emphasizes participation from educators
  • Workforce Development Model – Ensures that New Jersey has a strong pool of qualified teachers

If you are a teacher assistant interested in becoming a teacher, this program is a great way to advance your career and make a difference in students’ lives.

Overview

Phase I

Eligibility:

  • Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75 – 4.0
  • Students who have earned 64 or more credits with a previous GPA of 2.75 – 4.0
    • Elementary Education (K-6) Certification – 42 credits (30 Undergraduate / 12 Graduate)
    • Complete job-embedded clinical experience and internship requirements for the State of NJ
    • Eligible to apply for initial Elementary NJ Teacher CEAS
    • Eligible to apply for NJ Teacher of Students with Disabilities CE

Phase II

  • Complete 24 MA Special Education – graduate credits
  • Obtain Masters Degree in Special Education
  • Eligible to apply for NJ Teacher of Students with Disabilities CEAS

Upon receiving your application with your academic history, we will advise you accordingly on how to become a teacher!

Admissions and Enrollment Process

All interested students should:

  1. Submit the TATE Program inquiry form, if you have not done so already. Announcements about upcoming cohorts will be sent via email and those announcements will include details on program information, off-site locations, tuition, course schedules, application requirements and deadlines, etc.
  2. If you are ready to apply, please see the TATE Admissions Information page for additional information.
Tuition and Financial Aid Information

Tuition

2024-2025 Academic Year Rates*

  • Undergraduate In-State/Out-of-State Resident Rate**
    • $524.27 per credit (approx. $2,098 per 4 credit course)
    • Approx. total cost of UG Year 1 and Year 2 – $33,554 (64 credits)
  • Graduate Rate In-State/Out-of-State Resident
    • $894.41 per credit (approx: $3,578 per 4 credit course)
    • Approx total cost of GR Year 3 and Year 4 = $32,199 (36 credits)**

*Note: 2025-2026 Tuition rates will be posted in July 2025. Tuition rates subject to change

**Non-NJ residents will be charged the out of state, Undergraduate tuition rate

***Graduate total tuition costs may change based on the program track chosen.

Non-Tuition Related Fees

  • District Partner Fee – $100.00 (per semester)
  • Transcript Fee – $25.00 (one-time)

Payment Plans are available. View https://www.ramapo.edu/student-accounts/options-policies/ 

Financial Aid

  • Financial Aid may be available for the TA to Teacher Program – https://www.ramapo.edu/finaid/postbac/ .
  • Those who need to enroll to attain a first or second bachelors degree, other financial aid may be available as well.
  • In order to be considered eligible, a FAFSA must be completed at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
    • Ramapo’s school code is 00934400.
    • Eligibility requirements are that you must be considered a matriculating student, and be enrolled in at least 6 credits or more for the semester.
  • Additional funding options include alternative student loans which can be found at www.elmselect.com.

For questions about Financial Aid, the FAFSA form, and eligibility, please contact the RCNJ Financial Aid Office at finaid@ramapo.edu

Ramapo

Related Programs

Graduate Education Degrees

If you have already earned your bachelor’s degree and your state issued teaching certification, and are interested in pursuing your graduate degree, Ramapo also offers the MA in Special Education and MA Educational Leadership programs.

For questions about our Graduate Education Programs, email us at graduate@ramapo.edu or text us at 201-800-6057.

Ramapo

Contacts

Julie Norflus-Good
Director of the MA in Special Education Program
E-mail: jgood@ramapo.edu
Phone: (201) 684-7246
Office: E-220

Patricia Cantor
Teacher Education Program Assistant
E-mail: pcantor@ramapo.edu
Phone: (201) 684-7638
Office: E221

Joanne Caselli
Teacher Education Post-Baccalaureate Advisor and Certification Officer
E-mail: jcaselli@ramapo.edu
Phone: (201) 684-7626
Office: E-234