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NJ Certification
NJ Certification
In New Jersey, individuals interested in being a certified teacher involve a few steps. First, candidates must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) which allows them to apply for teaching positions. After a candidate is hired, they are required to complete the Provisional Teacher Program, a two-year mentorship and evaluation process. Successful completion of the PTP results in the award of a Standard Certification, which grants permanent certification. Whether traditional or alternate route, all aforementioned steps remain the same.
To help you better understand the certification process and what to expect, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions. These will provide clarity on the steps, requirements, and resources available to you.
How do I apply for a teaching certificate?
In order to apply in NJ you must create a NJEDCert Portal account and apply directly in the portal. Prior to submitting your application, be sure you know which certification you are applying for. A list of all NJ certification options is linked. Most staff will be looking in the “Instructional Certificates” category. This portion remains the same even if you are applying for a substitute certification.
People’s Achieve will be the sponsoring district so the background check must be completed for People’s Achieve (7021).
All documents must be received by the Department of Education within five months of the application submission.
Keep in mind, BRICK Gateway is part of the NJ Limited CE/CEAS pilot program. Therefore, a Gateway employee can be granted a limited CE/CEAS certification while waiving ONE of the requirements (i.e. GPA, required content course credit, Praxis minimum score). Any applicant for the NJ Limited CE/CEAS must work with hr@brickeducation.org to submit their application.
Once I am certified, do I need to do anything to keep my certification active?
Yes. The NJ certification process has three stages: Eligibility, Provisional and Standard status. The certificate of eligibility never expires. However, the Provisional certificate does.
First a candidate acquires a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or a Certificate of Eligibi;ity with Advanced Standing (CEAS). The CEAS and/or CE allows a candidate to apply for a teaching position.
Once the candidate receives a job / teaching position, the candidate must be enrolled in the PTP (provisional teacher program)
The PTP or Provisional certificate is a two-year certificate. Keep in mind, an individual cannot apply for a Provisional certificate. It is the employing school district that must apply for the candidate.
PTP requires all provisional novice teachers to be mentored and evaluated while they work towards their standard license
Provisional teachers must meet evaluations requirements pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9A-8.6 of obtaining two effective or highly effective final ratings, one per year, within three consecutive years of teaching.
Prior to a provisional certificate expiring, the employee must apply for their standard certificate. Remember, provisional certification comes with an expiration date.
How do I apply for my Standard Certificate?
The standard certificate is a permanent certificate (no expiration date) issued to an individual who has met all requirements for state certification. This certificate is issued to an individual who has successfully completed the PTP program, holds a previously issued NJ instructional certificate, or holds a valid out-of-state instructional certificate equivalent standard instructional certificate and has at least two effective years of teaching that were completed within three consecutive years within the last four calendar years.
To apply for a standard, the employee must work with their school district to submit a conversion request in the NJEDCert Portal. While an employee can submit for a conversion to standard on their own, the fastest applications have been the ones started by the employing district.
How do I acquire a substitute certification?
To apply for a NJ substitute teacher certification, a candidate should follow the directions from the state. The application will be in the NJEDCert Portal
Achieve will be the sponsoring district so the background check must be completed for Achieve (6110). The background check must be within five months of the substitute application submission.
The candidate will need to follow up with their university of the 30 or 60-credits as they will need to confirm credit completion quickly so the application does not expire.
How do I apply for out of state reciprocity?
New Jersey participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreements with a number of states. Reciprocity does not guarantee automatic certification in New Jersey. Candidates must meet New Jersey’s requirements.
For more information on reciprocity, please visit the NJDOE’s Recipocity website.
I’m nervous about taking the Praxis - any suggestions?
Yes! There are free tests that are sent upon you registering for the test (you can purchase more versions). Many of the practice tests have some of the actual test questions on them.
Below are links to books and website resources we recommend
Praxis II Elementary Education Guide Book
Praxis Core Guide Book
Ensure that your exams are scheduled to be sent to the NJDOE using code R7666
I know Gateway U is part of the BRICK Networks, how can they help me get certified?
BRICK Networks is proud to partner with Gateway U to support staff members who are interested in becoming certified teachers. This partnership gives staff an affordable and flexible way to earn a bachelor’s degree and/or meet New Jersey’s certification requirements through online programming through Southern New Hampshire University. Gateway U also provides support with coursework, academic coaching, and preparation for teacher certification exams.
BRICK encourages staff who are passionate about a career in education to explore this opportunity. Staff interested in pursuing the Teacher Pathway Program should first speak with their manager or school leader to share their interest and get insight into how this step aligns with their current role and professional development goals. After that, they will complete an interest form, which helps BRICK plan for support and track participation.
While BRICK helps offset some of the costs associated with the program, staff members are also investing in their own future and responsible for a portion of the total tuition. Staff members make contributions on a semi-monthly basis directly through payroll deductions.
This is a great way for staff members to grow in their careers while helping build a stronger teaching network for the students and families of Newark.
If you are interested in taking the next step with Gateway U, we invite you to schedule time with your manager to discuss and complete the interest form below.
time & Attendance:
time & Attendance:
How to request time off?
All time off requests should be submitted via BambooHR:
Login to your BambooHR dashboard
Once on your dashboard, locate the red “Request Time Off” button which will take you to the next page where you will select dates and category of time off you wish to use.
Once submitted your direct supervisor will review your request for approval. Please note that a submission requesting time off doesn’t automatically lead to an approval.
How to cancel a time off request?
Login to your BambooHR dashboard
Once on your dashboard, go to your profile and locate the “Time Off” tab, scroll down the page to “Upcoming Time Off” section where all time off requests will be listed and hover over the request you would like to cancel and choose the pencil icon to edit and select “Cancel Request”.
Once all changes have been made the request should disappear from your listed time off.
How to change/ update a time off request?
Login to your BambooHR dashboard
Once on your dashboard, go to your profile and locate the “Time Off” tab, scroll down the page to the “Upcoming Time Off” section where all time off requests will be listed and hover over the request you would like to cancel and choose the pencil icon to edit and make all changes and save.
Once all changes have been made the request will be sent to your direct supervisor for approval.
What if I am out of PTO?
You must request time off in BambooHR the same way you would with paid time off. You are requesting an “unpaid day”
Since you have no paid time off, your direct supervisor will only be able to approve unpaid time.
What is the policy for being out two consecutive days or more?
If an employee takes 3 or more consecutive days a medical note will be required to be given to the Talent Office and logged on your file for the employee to be paid for the days.
What is my PTO policy?
Gateway Academy provides paid time off for Full-Time and Part-Time employees. This time off to be used for temporary absences due to illness (the employee or his/her immediate family),personal emergencies, or to tend or other personal needs. Employees receive 12 days each year.Part-time employees receive 5-days of PTO for the year.
When is my PTO available to use?
Paid time off is effective day one of employment.
When do I accrue time?
Take note that all staff members are on a 7/1 accrual date and benefit year. For staff that start on 7/1 or 8/1, that starts Year 1.
When do I accrue time if I start after 7/1 or 8/1?
For staff that start after 7/1 or 8/1, but before the following 7/1 or 8/1, they are in year 0 and have time allotted based on a prorated schedule.
Benefits:
Benefits:
How do I learn more about my Amerihelath benefits?
All medical benefits can be found in our HRIS, BambooHR. You can also access details of each plan option by visiting HR Connection, powered by Centric Benefits.
If you are prompted to enter a GuestKey, please use GatewayAcademyCS.
Additionally, you can also access a Youtube video for a deeper review of each plan.
How do I access my benefits?
All benefit plans are located in BambooHR and can be accessed by visiting the Benefits tab.
To access specific carrier cards, please see below:
Amerihealth (Click the “Register” button or call 1-888-YOUR-AH1)
Delta Dental (Click “Or create an account”)
Where do I find my benefit options?
All benefit plans are located in BambooHR on your home screen you will have the option to start benefit enrollment which will take you to all available benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision and other supplemental benefits.
How do I add Dependents?
From the Home screen, click the My Info tab. Select the Benefits and click Add Dependents on the right-hand side of your screen in blue.
Ensure that you select the dependent at the top left corner that you would like to include in the benefit selection. This must be done for each carrier.
What do I do if my current provider does not take any of the plan options?
You can check the array of available providers in your benefit network by visiting the HR Connection website and select the “Find a provider” option on the left-hand side of your screen.
All benefits selections will be final once the enrollment period closes except for cases of a qualifying event such as marriage, divorce, and/or adding a dependent such as the birth of a child or adoption.
Leave of absence (LOA)
Leave of absence (LOA)
Employees who are facing personal, medical, or family-related circumstances may be eligible to request a leave of absence from work. A leave of absence allows staff to take time away from their role while maintaining job protection, and in some cases, benefits, depending on the type of leave. BRICK’s steps for requesting a leave of absence are linked here for further review.
If an employee has used all available leave time, they may no longer be entitled to job protection under those policies. The employee and BRICK Talent will remain in constant communication during any leave of absence period and will therefore know the date in which leave is exhausted. If the employee knows that leave will be exhausted they should immediately engage BRICK Talent to discuss alternative options. If a return to work is not immediately possible, BRICK Talent will provide guidance on transitioning from their current role and steps for reapplying when circumstances change.
Additionally, it is important to consider enrolling in long-term disability coverage through payroll. LTD insurance is designed to ease financial constraints if you’re unable to work for an extended period of time due to serious illness or injury. It typically replaces a portion of your income once your leave and short-term benefits are exhausted. Employees are encouraged to review this option thoroughly during periods of open enrollment or new hire onboarding. If you have additional questions about long-term disability please reach out to BRICK Talent for support.
What happens to my benefits while on Leave of Absence?
FMLA protects an employees' job for 12-weeks. When an employee goes on a company approved leave of absence, benefits remain until the last day of the month following the 12-week leave. If a staff member is on a leave of absence for longer than benefits are offered, the employee will have to access benefits through COBRA. In other words, the employer paid portion will stop and the employee will be solely responsible for the benefit coverage and related costs.
What is the process for taking a leave of absence?
Staff can learn more about taking a leave of absence through reviewing their Employee Handbook. The visual linked here also outlines the process and timeline. It is important that staff are requesting their LOA 45 to 60 days in advance.
Payroll
Payroll
What is our Pay Schedule?
Employees get paid twice a month on the 15th & the 30th. If either of those days fall on a weekend or holiday, employees will be paid the Friday or workday before.
Questions regarding taxes and larger % when admin pay/stipends added:
How do I update my direct deposit information?
Send a request to HR@brickeducation.org and a HR representative will send you a new direct deposit form via BambooHR.
How do I access my W2?
From 2018 to 2023 BRICK, SWPN, and Achieve were partnered with TriNet as their PEO. To access W2 documents from that period, employees and former employees must log into their TriNet account. If employees have any issues accessing their TriNet account, they should reach out to TriNet at 1-800-638-0461
Employees of Gateway Academy will receive their W2 via electronic delivery from payroll provider R&L DataCenters, Inc.
Employees of Gateway Academy K-8 and 9-12, please read the information below carefully and completely.
K-8 Campus
Employees that worked at the K-8 campus for any length of time prior to July 1, 2023 will receive two W2s. The first is from TriNet, which will cover wages and deductions accrued from January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023. The second is from R&L Data Centers, which will cover wages and deductions accrued from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
To access your TriNet W2 employees must log into their TriNet account. If you experience any issue with accessing your TriNet account, please contact them at 1-800-638-0461.
To access your R&L W2 employees should click the link emailed to them from R&L Data Centers on or about January 12, 2024. Employees should use their Payroll Access Code located on the Job tab of their BambooHR account.
9-12 Campus
Employees of People’s Prep that are already familiar with R&L Data Centers will receive only one W2. The W2 will cover wages and deductions accrued from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.
To access your R&L W2 employees should click the link emailed to them from R&L Data Centers on or about January 12, 2024.
NOTE: If you have had your password reset within the last six months by a member of the Talent Team, you can find your Payroll Access Code on the Job tab of your BambooHR account.
What do I do if I have a question about my paycheck?
You should first reach out to your campus DOO. If that does not work, the DOO will reach out to HR, If this is an urgent matter, please use the subject: Urgent- Payroll Inquiry.
Where can I get more information regarding stipend payments?
In the payroll section of BRICKfo we have listed the year pay dates and also shared more information regarding "stipend" pay.
Pension
Pension
The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits oversees retirement programs for public employees throughout the state. As an employee of BRICK Gateway you are mandated to be enrolled in the appropriate pension plan. BRICK Talent will communicate with you when your enrollment has been approved and deductions are set to begin.
As noted, in the Pension Acknowledgement document, signed during your onboarding, you are strongly encouraged to set aside the current contribution rate of 7.5% of your salary each pay period during your application’s processing period. BRICK Talent nor its payroll processor are able to withhold this contribution until confirmation of your enrollment has been received from the Division of Pensions and Benefits.
Now that you have a brief overview of the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits, below are some frequently asked questions and helpful resources to guide you in accessing and managing your pension benefits.
Is the pension required?
Yes, pension is mandated for all school employees in the state of NJ.
How do I access my pension number?
Employees can access their pension number in MBOS (state site) or on the job tab of their Bamboo profile.
How do I see how much is in my pension account?
MBOS is the state system where you can always log in to access your account. Keep in mind, while 7.5% of your gross salary is deducted each paycheck from date of hire, the MBOS online system only updates payments quarterly.
Linked here are the directions for setting up an MBOS account
MBOS is operated by the state therefore, technical questions
Are webinars offered for me to learn more about pension benefits?
Yes, the Division of Pensions and Benefits offers webinars each month on various topics that may be of interest to you. Click here to access the webinar training schedule.
Links to Additional Resources
employee assistance program (EAP)
employee assistance program (EAP)
As an additional support to staff, staff are reminded that they have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to request support. EAP is provided by Mutual of Omaha and can be reached at 1-800-316-2796. Employees must share that they are employees of Gateway Academy (People's Achieve). The Account Number is G000AR14.
If staff need immediate support, they should contact the National Hopeline at 988 (https://988lifeline.org.). Dialing 988 will connect you with the Suicide & Crisis Prevention Lifeline, which provides 24/7 free confidential support to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Calls, texts, or chats to 988 will connect you with a trained counselor who will listen, understand, and provide support and access to resources to address your immediate needs as well as your ongoing care.
Tenure
Tenure
What is tenure?
Tenure is a legal status that provides teachers and certain other staff with rights before they can be non-renewed. It is NOT a guarantee of permanent employment.
How does tenure work in New Jersey?
Eligibility: Under the TEACHNJ Act (updated Dec 2024), a certified staff member becomes eligible for tenure after:
4 consecutive years of employment within the same district, or
Completion of 4 years within any 5 consecutive years, and
Receipt of Effective or Highly Effective summative ratings in at least 2 of the final 3 years, with no Ineffective ratings in that period.
Observations and Evaluations: Must follow the approved evaluation system with required number of observations and annual ratings
How does tenure affect non-renewal or separation?
Before tenure: Staff can be non-renewed without cause or hearing.
After tenure: Tenured staff are entitled to due process under state law before dismissal for cause.
Worker's Compensation
Worker's Compensation
If an employee is injured at work, the worker's compensation section of the Handbook must be followed. This requires the staff member be evaluated by the School Nurse and a Formal Incident Repot and Nurse repot be submitted. Staff members must have a claim number from the Talent team prior to seeking approved medical care.
Gateway medical providers can be searched through the AmTrust provider list at this link. Scroll to the bottom and search the national provider directory.
If an employee is required to seek medical attention, an employee must provide the medical clearance prior to returning to work. All medical clearances should be emailed to hr@brickeducation.org
NJ Unemployment
NJ Unemployment
We know that questions often come up about unemployment benefits during the summer or other scheduled school breaks. As a 10 or 11-month employee, your work schedule is tied to the academic year. Because of this, unemployment benefits are usually not available during periods when school is closed and you are expected to return when the school year resumes.
This FAQ is designed to explain why and answer the most common questions we hear.
Why am I not eligible for unemployment benefits during the summer?
Under federal and state employment laws, school employees who work on a 10 or 11-month schedule are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits during scheduled breaks (such as summer recess). This is because you have a “reasonable assurance of continued employment” when the school year resumes.
What does “reasonable assurance” mean?
“Reasonable assurance” means you have a written, verbal, or implied agreement that you will return to your position in the next academic year.
Does this apply to all breaks or just summer?
Yes, this rule applies to all scheduled school breaks if you are expected to return to work afterward.
What if my position is eliminated or I have not been offered a contract for the new academic year?
If you receive notice that your position is eliminated or a non-renewal notice, you may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Labor and not BRICK Networks or members of its staff.
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