Question: Under what circumstances might the 12 month residency period be reduced or extended?

Generally, the SARP is a one-year program with two exceptions: 

• Holders of an SA CE issued under N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-12.4 m) and n) will be required to participate in a two-year residency program; and
• If the mentor determines that additional time and experience is necessary before a recommendation can be made for permanent certification, the mentor shall seek approval from NJASA and the Board of Examiners to extend the residency program accordingly.

There is no provision for a residency period to be reduced in time. If a resident brings extraordinary leadership experience in another state, the IRP should reflect the idiosyncrasies of NJ with emphasis on NJ education law/code and networks of professional support.

Question: Why am I required to attend the New Superintendents’ Academy if I am not serving as a superintendent?

Keep in mind that the NJSARP is a requirement for the Standard School Administrator Certificate, which authorizes its holder to serve as superintendent of schools. The NSA requirement is designed to provide learning experiences that prepare the resident to successfully serve in that role.

Question: Does my residency period begin when NJDOE issues the provisional certificate or when I begin to serve in the position?

The 12 month residency period begins with the first meeting between the resident and the mentor (assuming the Provisional School Administrator Certificate is issued before that time).

Question: How will NJDOE and NJASA ensure quality of the NJSARP and fidelity to the framework and design?

In the interest of continuous improvement, NJASA will review the formative/summative evaluations and will conduct periodic assessments, referencing the performance of the mentor, the value of the NSA, and the plans to utilize professional networks of support. NJDOE reviews the program data, interviews mentors and residents, and attends mentor training sessions.

How much does the residency cost?

The SARP costs $1750 and includes the New Superintendents’ Academy and the NJASA Legal Publications for one year. That fee is paid upon registering for the program. Mentors are paid $2500 directly by the resident or the sponsoring BOE.

Do I still have to be evaluated by the BOE since I am in the SARP and will be evaluated by my mentor?

Yes; the mentor evaluations are strictly related to certification requirements. Each BOE must annually evaluate its administrators in accordance with NJ law and code. It is understood that the mentor is acting as an agent of the state, with responsibilities limited to certification by the State Board of Examiners. The mentor has no role in the performance evaluation of the resident as an employee of the board of education nor in the BOE decision on renewing or re-contracting. The recommendations of the mentor shall not be subject to review or approval by any local board of education.

What happens if I change jobs or terminate my employment before the residency is completed?

If the resident changes jobs before the end of the residency period, it is very important to inform NJDOE by signing into the TCIS account to update contact information and advise kzega@njasa.net. On very rare occasions, it is necessary to “freeze” the residency period when a resident changes or terminates his/her position. The resident and mentor should discuss the circumstances as early as possible to minimize the impact on the resident.

Who can I contact if I have any questions or recommendations about the program?

NJASA welcomes inquiries and recommendations. Contact Dr. Mark Stanwood, mstanwood@njasa.net.

Am I required to have a Professional Development Plan (PDP) during the residency period?

The approved residency experience fulfills the PDP requirement during the residency period. Upon successful completion of the residency program, the mentor should assist the resident prepare the required PDP for the subsequent year? NJASA offers a template on its website: https://www.njasa.net/Page/176