Celebrating Our Spring and Summer 2026 New Jersey Alternate Route Program Graduates
Teaching is an ongoing journey of learning, reflection, and growth, and this summer, we are thrilled to celebrate fourteen dedicated world language educators who have officially completed the New Jersey Alternate Route Certificate of Eligibility (CE) Program!
Cinthya Lopez, NJ Spanish Teacher
“How do you become a teacher? Although it sounds like a simple question, I received so many different answers that I ended up completely confused. School districts hire teachers, but they don’t really tell you how to become one. The state’s website felt overwhelming, and the entire certification process became such a nightmare that I almost gave up.
Everything changed when I found Idioma Education & Consulting.
From the moment I called, a real person answered the phone, not an automated system with endless menu options. Within five minutes, someone had explained the entire process to me step by step. It was simple, clear, and finally made sense.
From that point on, my experience with Idioma was nothing short of amazing. The process was flexible, organized, and easy to understand. I had a million questions. I didn’t know where to apply, how to apply, or what to do next, but they guided me every step of the way. I truly felt like I had someone walking beside me throughout the entire journey.
What makes Idioma different is that the people supporting you have been through the same process themselves. They are teachers helping future teachers, and that makes all the difference. They understand your questions, your frustrations, and your fears because they’ve experienced them too.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, do yourself a favor and make that phone call. It might just be the call that brings you peace of mind, gives you clear answers, and helps you finally begin your teaching career with confidence.”
Please join us in celebrating our Spring and Summer 2026 program graduates:
Javon Jones, Spanish Teacher
Giovanna Enciso, Spanish Teacher
Daphney Vastey, French Teacher
Cinthya Lopez, Spanish Teacher
Maria Stagich, Spanish Teacher
Marcos Martinez, Spanish Teacher
Shiyao Zuo, Mandarin Chinese Teacher
Angelica Allyon, Spanish Teacher
Diana Galarza, Spanish Teacher
Daniela Riverso, Italian Teacher
Nuria Gesteria Moreda, Spanish Teacher
Mei Wang, Mandarin Chinese Teacher
Daniel Coelho, French Teacher
Miguelina Pelenski, Spanish Teacher
Idioma Program Advisor Dr. Mellissia Walles with Mei Wang, NJ Mandarin Chinese Teacher
Real Classroom Impact from Day One
Approved by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), our Alternate Route Program gives world language teachers hands-on strategies they can bring straight to their classrooms. Hearing directly from our graduates in their program feedback is the best proof of the program's success. As Nuria Gesteria Moreda, a Spanish teacher and recent program graduate shared:
“Thanks to the program I feel confident planning my units and lessons plans using backward design. From the readings, videos, materials and my classmates I’ve learned new strategies, ideas and how to continue growing as a teacher making my World language classroom a place to communicate in Spanish.”
Spanish teacher and recent program graduate Giovanna Enciso shares:
“The program prepared me well for the classroom by providing strategies and resources to strengthen my teaching practices. It helped me better understand proficiency-based instruction, assessment, culture, and student-centered learning. As a K–5 Spanish teacher, I was able to apply these concepts to support my students’ diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.”
By combining coursework with real-world application, candidates learn how to teach through proficiency, plan units using backward design, create communicative Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs), and incorporate social-emotional learning into their everyday teaching routines, among many other research-based teaching strategies.
Mandarin Chinese teacher and 2026 graduate Mei Wang shares:
“Overall, the program met my expectations in preparing me for the classroom. It provided a strong foundation in instructional planning, classroom management, assessment, and strategies to support diverse learners. The combination of coursework, reflection, and practical teaching experiences helped me connect educational theory to real classroom situations and increased my confidence as an educator.”
From left: Marcos Martinez, NJ Spanish Teacher, Mellissia Walles, Idioma Program Advisor, and Maria Stagich, NJ Spanish Teacher
Support Every Step of the Way
We know that navigating teacher certification while working in the classroom can feel overwhelming. That is why mentorship and community are at the heart of everything we do at Idioma. Throughout their training, candidates work closely with experienced World Language Instructional Coaches and collaborate with fellow cohort members.
One of our 2026 Spanish teacher graduates, Diana Galarza, shared what that support meant to her throughout the program:
“I have really appreciated the support I have received from Idioma. The staff and resources have been extremely helpful, making it easier to succeed and feel confident throughout the course.”
Spanish teacher and one of our first program graduates in 2025, Natividad Matos, shared a similar sentiment:
“I appreciate the support I received and the opportunity to connect with other professionals. I believe that continuing to strengthen the personalized support and diverse resources will help future participants benefit even more from the experience.”
Marcos Martinez, Spanish teacher and 2026 program graduate, shared this:
“Feedback from instructors and peers helped me identify areas for improvement, refine my teaching strategies, and gain new perspectives on key concepts. Their constructive suggestions increased my confidence and enhanced my ability to create more effective and engaging learning experiences.”
Looking Ahead
Completing their program milestones is an exciting step toward earning their Standard Certificate to teach world languages in New Jersey. With fresh ideas, practical skills, and a strong professional community behind them, these fourteen teachers are well-prepared to inspire world language students across the state.
“My name is Maria Stagich, I am a busy mom, wife and teacher who is beyond grateful to have completed the Alternate Route Program with Idioma. During my time in the program I felt supported, motivated and understood. The course material helped me and guided me into becoming a better version of myself and I felt that during my two years in the program I grew and gained the necessary knowledge to be able to meet all my students’ needs and to continue to thrive as a new teacher. I invested in my education with the best team that there is. Gracias Idioma, I will be forever grateful because thanks to you I AM A BETTER TEACHER TODAY!”
Maria Stagich, NJ Spanish Teacher
Congratulations to our graduates! We are so proud of your hard work and can't wait to see all that you accomplish in your classrooms.
Ready to take the next step in your teaching journey?
Explore our upcoming cohort dates and program details on the New Jersey Alternate Route Certification Program page, or send us a message anytime at ceprogram@idiomaconsulting.com!
