NJCTL is excited to introduce Christina Canonaco, a former paraprofessional who is beginning her first year teaching physics. In only one year, Christina successfully earned her Certificate of Eligibility through NJCTL's Shortage Area Alternate Route physics program, enabling her to apply for teaching positions in New Jersey. After receiving several offers, she decided to join Indian Hills High School. She will teach under the guidance of a district-provided mentor while she completes her remaining NJCTL coursework to earn a Master of Science in Teaching & Learning Physics and a Standard Teaching Certificate. Christina has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and was an administrative assistant for many years before she took time off to raise her four children. When she decided to go back to work, she started as a part-time preschool teacher aide. She later moved to West Orange High School where she was a full-time paraprofessional working in a wide range of classes. Most recently, she worked as a one-on-one aide for a visually impaired student. “I always thought I wanted to teach,” Christina said. “When working with my visually-impaired student, I had to put together lessons, and create Braille documents and tactile materials. I enjoyed what I was doing as a paraprofessional, but I always thought I could do more. I really wanted to have my own classroom and reach a broader audience.” When Christina decided to become a certified teacher, she considered a number of expensive traditional alternate route programs. But a $22,000 price tag didn’t make sense, as well as the in-person time commitment that would take two full years to complete. Then she discovered NJCTL. “NJCTL was much more affordable at about $6,000,” Christina said. “I liked that it was flexible and that I could do it on my own time and do it in less time. I also liked that it allows me to become a classroom teacher in a shorter amount of time. It was exactly what I needed to achieve my goal!" Christina's journey highlights her deep commitment to education and we can't wait to see her shine in the classroom!