Brookdale Community College Earns National Accreditation of Alternate Route to Teaching Program

The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded initial accreditation with note to the alternate route to teaching program at Brookdale Community College.

After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its September meeting along with the following rationale:

The Commission evaluated the program’s evidence for each AAQEP standard and determined that all four standards are met. The program prepares candidates to work effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally. Brookdale Community College maintains program quality by analyzing evidence of its effectiveness and making revisions to benefit candidates. It engages with stakeholders and partners, including other community colleges, to strengthen the P-20 education system by addressing workforce needs.

“Congratulations to Brookdale Community College and to all of the faculty, staff, and partners who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “Working with other community colleges, Brookdale’s role in supporting new teachers’ entry into the profession supports a qualified and diverse workforce for New Jersey schools.”

National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. AAQEP currently has members in 36 states and other jurisdictions with over 200 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.

“We are thrilled that our Alternate Route to Teaching program at Brookdale is recognized for preparing professional educators who not only excel in diverse educational contexts but are also committed to growth and development throughout their careers. Through our strong partnership with four community colleges across New Jersey, we are expanding the number of licensed K-12 teachers and enhancing the diversity of the teaching workforce by welcoming a broader range of participants into the program,” said Susan Pagano, Executive Director of Continuing Education at Brookdale Community College.

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About AAQEP

Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Visit aaqep.org for more information.

About Brookdale Community College Continuing Education and Teaching Programs

Brookdale Community College’s Continuing Education Program offers an extensive range of professional development, workforce training, and personal enrichment opportunities designed to meet the evolving needs of students, businesses, and the community. The program, known for its flexible approach, includes non-credit courses, certifications, and skill-building workshops across diverse fields such as healthcare, technology, business, and the arts. Through partnerships with local industries and educational institutions, Brookdale’s Continuing Education Program empowers participants with relevant, high-quality education that aligns with today’s job market, supporting career growth, new pathways, and lifelong learning.

Brookdale’s Alternate Route to Teaching (ART-CC) and Career and Technical Educator (CTE) Programs provide structured pathways to teacher certification for individuals aspiring to educate in New Jersey. The ART-CC program supports career changers and recent graduates by offering hours-based educator preparation courses and practical, on-the-job training, allowing participants to become certified in K-6, all 7-12 grade content areas, and, soon, P-3 Early Education. The CTE program, on the other hand, prepares individuals to teach technical and vocational subjects in grades 9-12. Both programs support Brookdale’s commitment to diversifying the teaching workforce and equipping professional educators to succeed in various educational contexts across New Jersey.