NJ EXCEL | Frequently Asked Questions

What is NJ EXCEL?: The New Jersey Expedited Certification in Educational Leadership (NJ EXCEL) Program Program is a State-approved non-traditional program leading to Principal and School Administrator certification in lieu of a master's degree in educational administration, and to certification for Supervisor and Director for School Counseling Services in lieu of the 12-credit sequence of graduate courses required by the State.

Who is eligible for NJ EXCEL?: Eligibility for NJ EXCEL Models #1, #2, and #3 require a minimum of a master's degree in a field related to education and four years of full-time teaching experience and/or experience as an educational specialist (i.e. school social worker, school psychologist, counselor). NJ EXCEL Model #4 leads to School Administrator certification, and admission to the program requires that one is currently enrolled in a program leading to principal certification or holds a Certificate of Eligibility for Principal or Standard Principal Certification.

What NJ EXCEL Model suits my experience and career goals?

NJ EXCEL's four program models are designed to match each individual's educational and professional experience with a path to four areas of State certification to meet their career goals. The four models are briefly described below.

NOTE: Effective September 2008, New Jersey requires two separate internships in order to be eligible for principal and school administrator certification. NJ EXCEL Models #1, #2 and #3 are designed to fulfill the internship requirement for principal. NJ EXCEL Model #4 is designed to fulfill the internship requirement for school administrator certification.

NJ EXCEL Model #1: For practicing supervisors with at least 4 years of supervisory experience; leads to New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility for Principal and certification for Director of School Counseling Services* upon completion of the State-approved program of instruction plus minimum of 300 hours of field-based experiences and School-Based Internship within a 12-month period, and a passing score on the State-required test for Principal Certification (School Leader Licensure Assessment/SLLA).
NJ EXCEL Model #2: For classroom teachers and educational specialists holding supervisor certification and practicing supervisors with less than 4 years of supervisory experience; leads to New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility for Principal and certification for Director of School Counseling Services* upon completion of the State-approved program of instruction plus field-based experiences and School-Based Internship within a 12 to 15-month period, and a passing score on the State-required test for Principal Certification (School Leader Licensure Assessment/SLLA).
NJ EXCEL Model #2: For classroom teachers and educational specialists; leads to State certification for Supervisor*, Certificate of Eligibility for Principal, and Director of School Counseling Services* upon completion of the State-approved program of instruction plus minimum of 300 hours of field-based experiences, a School-Based Internship, and a Supervisory Internship within an 18-month period, and a passing score on the State-required test for Principal Certification (School Leader Licensure Assessment/SLLA).
NJ EXCEL Model #2: For individuals who are currently enrolled in a program leading to principal certification or have a Certificate of Eligibility for Principal or Standard Principal Certification; leads to New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility for School Administrator upon completion of a project-based School Administrator Internship and a passing score on the State-required test for School Administrator Certification (School Superintendent Assessment/SSA).

* NOTE: (1) Eligibility for Director of School Counseling Services Certification requires a master’s degree in school counseling and a minimum of three years of counselor experience; (2) The State does not require a test for certification as Supervisor or Director of School Counseling Services.

For NJ EXCEL Model #1, do I need five years full time experience as a supervisor or can it be part—time?: State Code requires five years of successful full-time experience as a supervisor of an instructional area or department related to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards under a valid supervisor certificate to be eligible for principal certification upon completion of NJ EXCEL Model #1. Therefore, you may apply to NJ EXCEL with at least four (4) years of supervisory experience if you will complete your 5^th year by the end of the NJ EXCEL Program. The required five years of supervisory experience is determined based on the job's requirement for supervisor certification and the nature of the responsibilities of the position you hold, regardless of title. For example, if your position requires supervisor certification and includes both supervisory and teaching responsibilities, it would be considered full-time.

Do I have to wait until I have five years of experience as a teacher and/or educational specialist before I can apply to NJ EXCEL Model #2 or Model #3?: The State requires that you have completed at least five years of full-time experience as a teacher and/or educational specialist by the time you apply for certification at the end of the NJ EXCEL Program. Therefore, you may apply to NJ EXCEL Model #2 if you have completed at least four years as a teacher and/or educational specialist, and to Model #3 if you have completed at least 3.5 years as a teacher and/or educational specialist.

If I have a master’s degree in a related educational field that is not specific to a content area in the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCCS), such as special education or pupil personnel services, am I eligible?: Yes.

If I have a master’s degree in a field that is not directly related to education, such as an MBA, am I eligible?: The current State Code provides for individuals with master's degrees in business fields to obtain principal and school administrator certification with completion of specific leadership courses that may be obtained through NJ EXCEL.

If I am certified as a supervisor and have supervisory experience in another state, am I eligible?: Yes. Equivalent out-of-state certification and supervisory/teaching are acceptable for admission to NJ EXCEL.

Can experience as a department head, coordinator, or similar position count as supervisory experience?: Yes, as long as the position, regardless of title, requires supervisor certification with responsibilities typical of the supervisory role (e.g. staff supervision, curriculum and professional development, program and coordination).

Do I have to be a member of NJPSA to apply to NJ EXCEL?: No, you do not have to be an NJPSA member to apply. However, once accepted, you will automatically become an NJPSA "Aspiring School Leader" member if you are not a supervisor and already a regular member. The cost of Aspiring School Leaders Membership is included in your tuition. Enrollment in NJ EXCEL and NJPSA Aspiring School Leader Membership provides opportunities for you to attend FEA professional development activities, the NJPSA Convention, and other special events at substantially reduced registration fees. Regular membership entitles you to all NJPSA services, including legal services.

Where can I get an application for NJ EXCEL, and is there an application fee?: There is no application fee for NJ EXCEL. You must apply online.

What do I need to include in my application packet?: It is required that you include copies of your graduate degrees and New Jersey certifications, district letter verifying completion of at least four years of full-time teaching and/or educational specialist experience (Model #2 and #3 only), school district statement of support, a current resume, and a job description (Model #1 only). The job description is necessary to ensure your eligibility based on your current supervisory role. College transcripts are not required.

Do I need to bring a formal portfolio to the interview? What if I don’t have one?: If you have a formal portfolio that is current, please bring it to the interview. If you do not, please bring some samples of your work that exemplify your leadership, supervisory and/or teaching practice, and your knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student learning.

How long is the admissions interview and how many people interview each candidate?: Each candidate will be interviewed by one person. You should allow 1-1½ hours for the interview.

When will I complete my writing sample, and will it be handwritten or done on a computer?: The Writing Sample will be e-mailed to you prior to your interview. You will be asked to complete the Writing Sample and bring a copy with you to the interview. A hard copy will be retained by FEA in your application file. You will keep the Writing Sample file for use at a later date as discussions continue throughout the program on the topics in the Writing Sample.

Am I eligible for State principal and/or school administrator certification when I complete NJ EXCEL?: For those enrolling after September 2008, two separate internships are required for principal and school administrator certification. You will be eligible for a NJ Certificate of Eligibility (CE) for Principal upon completion of NJ EXCEL Models #1, #2, or #3 and receiving a passing score on the State-required standardized assessment for principal (SLLA). You will be eligible for a NJ Certificate of Eligibility (CE) for School Administrator upon completion of NJ EXCEL Models #1, #2, or #3 AND Model #4, and also receiving a passing score on the State-required standardized assessment for school administrator (SSA). The CE for Principal allows you to be hired as a principal, assistant principal, or director. The Certificate of Eligibility for School Administrator allows you to be hired as a Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent. Once hired into one of the positions requiring the CE, the State then requires that you obtain provisional certification and complete a 1-2 year Residency to be eligible for standard principal or school administrator certification. There is no time limit on the Certificate of Eligibility.

If I have already taken and passed the State-required PRAXIS Exam for principal or school administrator certification, do I have to take the new State-required test?: Effective September 2004, the State approved new State-required assessments for principal and school administrator certification entitled the School Leader Licensure Assessment (SLLA) for principal certification and School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) for school administrator certification. If you passed the PRAXIS and enrolled in NJ EXCEL by June 30, 2005, you would be "grandfathered" and must complete NJ EXCEL AND submit your application for certification no later than August 31, 2007.

Does NJ EXCEL provide any special support to help me pass the State test?: The NJ EXCEL curriculum is designed to provide ongoing learning experiences that mirror the SLLA and SSA problem-solving exercises (i.e. case studies, vignettes, and scenarios). NJ EXCEL also offers a special series of SLLA Prep sessions and SSA Prep sessions, which review the process of each test. SLLA and SSA Prep Sessions are offered at no additional charge to NJ EXCEL candidates.

If I get a Certificate of Eligibility through NJ EXCEL and don’t take a position right away, is there a limit to the number of years the CE is valid?: No, the State Code does not indicate an expiration period for the certificate of eligibility.

Am I eligible for supervisor certification when I complete NJ EXCEL?: The requirements for State supervisor certification are included within NJ EXCEL Model #3. There is no state test for supervisor certification.

Am I eligible for certification for Director of School Counseling Services when I complete NJ EXCEL?: The requirements for State certification for Director of School Counseling Services are included within NJ EXCEL Models #1, #2, and #3. Eligibility for this certification requires certification for guidance counselor and a minimum of 3 years of counseling experience. There is no state test for certification for Director of School Counseling Services.

Am I eligible for principal certification if I have a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction?: Yes, as long as you have completed coursework in educational leadership required by the State, specifically: leadership and human resource management; communications; data-based research strategies for decision-making; finance; law. Completion of NJ EXCEL meets these requirements.

How do I apply for State certification when I am finished with NJ EXCEL?: FEA will process your application for your certifications as soon as you complete all NJ EXCEL requirements and have passed the State test(s). You are responsible for completing the application and paying the required State fee for each area of certification. The fee includes the Certificate of Eligibility as well as the Provisional and Standard Certifications when you obtain a position and complete the Residency.

How do NJ EXCEL Internships work?: A minimum of 300 hours of field-based leadership experiences is required by the State for principal certification, which NJ EXCEL requires in a range of field-based and internship experiences with multiple mentors. The purpose of the field-based experiences and internships for all NJ EXCEL Models is to provide authentic, field-based, hands-on experiences under the mentorship of an exemplary practitioner that will broaden one's experience through observation and inquiry into leadership and instructional practices in multiple settings, and to enhance and apply one's knowledge and skills to authentic situations at school and district-levels. School-Based and Supervisory Internships are carefully planned to meet each candidate's needs based on prior experiences and professional growth targets. A School-Based Internship (90 hours) with a Principal mentor is required for Models #1, #2 and #3. A Supervisory Internship (30 hours) with a Supervisor mentor is also required for Model #3. Model #4 requires field-based internships at the district level with a School Administrator Internship (150 hours) with a superintendent/assistant superintendent mentor. In general, School-Based Internships in a different school/district setting are arranged in an effort to broaden your exposure and experience. However, each candidate's unique needs are considered and accommodated as appropriate.

How am I placed in the Internships?: NJ EXCEL considers, first and foremost, an Internship placement that best meets your professional growth needs. However, on a case by case basis, consideration is also given to other areas (i.e. logistics, schedule and responsibilities in current position, teaching responsibilities). Final placement decisions are made by the NJ EXCEL Internship Coordinator in consultation with each candidate.

Is there flexibility regarding the district’s commitment for time and support for the Internships?: There is flexibility for the district and the applicant to determine a reasonable way to enable him/her to complete the Internships and other program requirements (i.e. combination of release time, personal and vacation days). Summers, weekends and after school times are also used. The applicant must be available to complete the required number of hours in the Internships in order to meet the state and program requirements. NJ EXCEL will work cooperatively with each candidate and his/her district to arrange a reasonable schedule that accommodates candidate and district needs to the extent possible.

How will my Internships be scheduled?: Internship schedules are extremely flexible. The exact schedule will be determined by you and your Internship Mentor(s) based on the types of experiences that best meet your professional growth targets and required performance tasks and Internship Project(s) to be completed.

How are schools and mentors selected?: Internship sites and Internship Mentors are selected from an NJ EXCEL approved list. Candidates may suggest a school and/or mentor, which may be considered for NJ EXCEL approval. However, priority will be given to ensuring that both the district/school and Internship Mentor will provide the best experience possible. Whenever possible, several candidates will be placed in the same district/school with one Internship Mentor.

Is the Internship Mentor’s stipend included in the NJ EXCEL tuition?: Yes, Internship Mentor stipends for all NJ EXCEL Internships are included in the tuition.

Who teaches NJ EXCEL classes?: NJ EXCEL's Instructors, E-Mentors, and Field Supervisors are accomplished professionals with exemplary credentials as practitioners in a range of school and district leadership positions, as well as accomplished reputations as researchers and university professors in the field of educational leadership. A list of instructors with a summary of their credentials is available upon request.

Who are the mentors for the Internship?: Mentors for School-Based Internships are practicing principals, and mentors for School Administrator Internships are practicing superintendents and assistant superintendents. Supervisory Mentors for Supervisory Internships are practicing supervisors or administrators with supervisory experience. All mentors are selected using standards to identify exemplary district/school leaders and supervisors based on their professional accomplishments and evidence of their districts'/schools' and/or programs' effectiveness.

Can I receive graduate credit for completing NJ EXCEL?

NJ EXCEL requested an external review by the American Council on Education (ACE), a nationally recognized organization that conducts a site visit and rigorous review of curriculum, faculty credentials, and other factors to recommend graduate credits for completion of NJ EXCEL. In May 2007, the American Council on Education reviewed NJ EXCEL Programs and recommended them for graduate credit as follows: NJ EXCEL Model #1 = Total 40 credits; NJ EXCEL Model #2 = Total 43 credits; NJ EXCEL Model #3 = Total 52 credits; NJ EXCEL Model #4 = Total 15 credits.

Transcripts for graduate credit recommendations are available through ACE, which may be presented to any higher education institution nationwide by candidates for acceptance of credit toward degree programs. The higher education institution has the final word on the number of credits it will accept and tuition costs or waivers for accepted credits. ACE transcripts may also be used where district policies/bargaining agreements require graduate credit for tuition reimbursement and/or advancement on the salary guide. Again, school districts have the final word in these areas. Thomas Edison State College (TESC) will award graduate credit based on the ACE transcript and provide a TESC transcript.

What is the enrollment per cohort?: The average enrollment for each cohort is 25-30. However, additional candidates may be accepted if warranted. Regardless of the cohort size, candidates are divided into small Inquiry Groups (peer study groups) to optimize opportunities for collaboration, dialogue, and ongoing support by an E-Mentor assigned to each Inquiry Group.

When and where do Inquiry Groups meet?: Inquiry Groups are assigned according to region (north, central, south) and meet on a regular basis at a location(s) in their region that group members determine with their E-Mentor. Inquiry Group meetings are scheduled within the total number of required instructional hours. E-Mentors meet with their Inquiry Groups and provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the program. Typically, Inquiry Groups meet a total of 24 hours for Models #1 and #2, 33 hours for Model #3, and 25 hours for Model #4.

If enrollment for one of the cohort classes is too low, what happens?: The cohort will likely be cancelled and candidates will be referred to another cohort if space is available.

How much is the tuition for each NJ EXCEL Model?

Effective July 2010, total tuition for each model is as follows: NJ EXCEL Model #1 = $7500; NJ EXCEL Model #2 = $8500; NJ EXCEL Model #3 = $10,900; NJ EXCEL Model #4 = $3000.

FEA is committed to making the NJ EXCEL Program as affordable as possible. As a self-funded program, NJ EXCEL tuitions are established based on program operation costs, which may vary from year to year. Therefore, FEA reserves the right to increase tuition as needed to maintain program quality.

How much is the first payment on the tuition and when is it due?: The first tuition payment for NJ EXCEL Models #1, #2, and #3 is $2500, which is payable within fourteen (14) days following notification of acceptance to the program. Remaining tuition payments are generally paid in equal monthly installments. The first tuition payment for NJ EXCEL Model #4 is $1500 with the second and final payment due within 6 months. FEA is open to arranging other payment plans for individuals based on district reimbursement schedules or other personal financial circumstances. FEA provides reasonable tuition payment plans and accepts credit card charges for tuition payments.

Are books included in the tuition?: No. Purchase of required books is the responsibility of each candidate. NJ EXCEL carefully selects current books that are cost-effective and practitioner-oriented, and which will contribute to a significant personal/professional library. Discounts from publishers and professional organizations are passed directly to candidates. One should plan for approximately $900 for books over the duration of the Model #1 and Model # 2 programs, paid on a quarterly basis. Cost of books for Model #3 will be slightly higher. Books costs for Model #4 are approximately $150. NJ EXCEL also provides an array of additional resource materials, which are included in the tuition.

Are there technology fees or other special fees?: No.

Are costs for the state-required licensure test, applications for certification, and the mentor for the Residency (if I obtain a school leader position) included in the tuition?: All NJ EXCEL assessments required within the program's curriculum are included in the tuition. Costs related to State-required tests, application for certification, and the mentor stipend for the Residency if hired in a school leader position are the responsibility of each candidate.

Will I be eligible to receive reimbursement for NJ EXCEL tuition from my school district?: This depends on your district's policies and bargaining agreement. Most districts accept letters from NJ EXCEL and/or an NJ EXCEL transcript to verify course completion for district reimbursement. If the district requires graduate credit for reimbursement, you should inform your district that NJ EXCEL has been recommended for graduate credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) and transcripts are available through ACE and Thomas Edison State College.

Is it possible to get financial aid to pay for this program?: FEA is not eligible for federal loans that may be available through higher education institutions. However, NJ EXCEL will arrange convenient payment plans on a case by case basis, with no interest.

What is the NJ EXCEL curriculum like? Are there exams, term papers, etc. required in NJ EXCEL?

NJ EXCEL is a standards-driven, performance-based program for experienced educators. As such, its emphasis is on field-based and job-embedded experiences, professional growth, and leadership performance as measured by the New Jersey Professional Standards for School Leaders. Given this emphasis and current research in leadership development and adult learning strategies, NJ EXCEL is designed to provide authentic, problem-based learning experiences in an inquiry-focused, project-based curriculum that emphasizes collaboration and dialogue in the examination of leadership and instructional practices.

NJ EXCEL Models #1, #2, and #3 include class sessions and special institutes, technology training sessions, Inquiry Group meetings, and online mini-courses. All models require one or more field-based Internships that address your specific professional growth needs, and one or more Internship and job-embedded projects. There are no traditional tests or exams. Multiple, performance-based assessments are used throughout all models.

NJ EXCEL Models #1, #2, and #3 require a minimum of 21 hours of technology training, which is included in the total required instructional hours. The technology requirement is intended to ensure that all candidates have at least a basic level of proficiency in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Inspiration. Technology is also integrated throughout the program to enhance candidates' understanding related to the use of technologies to enhance staff productivity, teaching, and learning. Each candidate engages in customized technology training based on his/her technology self-assessment and is provided with ongoing support and special sessions for tutoring and guided practice. NJ EXCEL also makes web-based technology tutorials available to all candidates for independent online training to enhance technology skills, which is included in tuition fees.

NJ EXCEL Model #4 is a totally field-based model, which requires a 150-hour Internship under the mentorship of a Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent, 25 hours of Inquiry Group meetings, and one Action Research Project. There are NO FORMAL CLASSES in Model #4.

NJ EXCEL candidates are provided with accounts to NJ EXCEL's Online Learning Community and actively participate in ongoing electronic communication, e-mentoring, networking, sharing resources, discussion boards, instant messaging, and announcements.

What are the attendance requirements? What happens if I miss a class session?: State requirements for certification through NJ EXCEL mandate completion of a specific number of clock hours for each NJ EXCEL Model. Candidates are, therefore, expected to attend all sessions in order to complete all required hours. However, if a class session is missed for good reason, the candidate will have opportunities to arrange make-up hours in accordance with program policies.

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