The Most Trusted, Teacher-Friendly Way to Earn Graduate Credits Online
Earn Graduate Credits for Your NJ Salary Lane.
Self-paced graduate-level courses for PK–12 teachers in New Jersey. Each course comes with a Certificate of Completion documenting 45 PD hours — and optional graduate-level credit on an official transcript, yours to use however your district allows.
Trusted by 10,000+ educators nationwide since 2015
One course = 45 PD hours — covers your full 20-hour annual requirement with room to spare.
Optional UMass Global 3-credit transcript: $190 per course, paid anytime — even after you finish.
Common Ways NJ Teachers Use These Credits
Every district sets its own rules. Teachers in New Jersey commonly use For Teachers By Teachers (FTBT) graduate credits for one of these three goals:
Salary Advancement
Move across your district's salary lanes (BA+15, BA+30, MA+15, MA+30) with an official letter-grade graduate transcript. Each lane change is a permanent annual raise that follows you for the rest of your career in the district.
20-Hour Annual PDP
A single 3-credit course typically counts as 45 professional development hours by seat-time calculation — more than the 20 hours New Jersey requires under N.J.A.C. 6A:9C-4.4 each school year.
PD Documentation
Certificate of Completion with 45 documented instructional hours per course — useful for your individual PDP file and supervisor review, even without the optional university credit.
Not sure if your district accepts these credits for salary advancement? See the FAQ below or email us before enrolling — we'll help you check.
How It Works
Step 1: Enroll for $165
Get instant access to the online classroom. Start whenever you're ready.
Step 2 (Optional): Add 3 UMass Global units for $190
Pay the university transcript fee directly to UMass Global — anytime, even after you finish. Letter-grade transcript (not Pass/Fail).
Step 3: Submit your transcript to your district
Your supervisor and HR office handle salary lane review and PDP credit. We provide receipts, syllabi, and course numbers if needed.
For Teachers By Teachers (FTBT) courses are 100% online and self-paced, quiz-based — no portfolios, no busywork, no live meetings. New Jersey teachers use these graduate-level semester units for salary lane advancement and to satisfy the 20-hour annual PDP requirement set by N.J.A.C. 6A:9C-4.4.
- 3 graduate semester credits per course on an official UMass Global transcript
- 100% online and self-paced — start and finish on your timeline
- Quiz-based — no portfolios, no busywork, no live meetings
- Certificate of Completion with 45 documented instructional hours per course
- Receipts and itemized invoices for HR reimbursement
- Purchase Orders accepted for districts that pay via PO
- Course syllabi available on request for district pre-approval
- 7-day refund window — try it risk-free
Save More By Bundling
Pick courses from our nationwide catalog. The more you bundle, the more you save.
Build Your Own 3-Course Bundle
Pick any 3 courses for $399 (vs. $495 individually). 9 graduate credits. Save $96.
Build Your 3-Course Bundle for $399 →Build Your Own 4-Course Bundle
Pick any 4 courses for $449 (vs. $660 individually). 12 graduate credits. Save $211.
Build Your 4-Course Bundle for $449 →Build Your Own 5-Course Bundle
Pick any 5 courses for $499 (vs. $825 individually). 15 graduate credits. Save $326.
Build Your 5-Course Bundle for $499Prefer a done-for-you path? The Nationwide 5-Course Bundle is a pre-built version with our most popular courses.
See the Nationwide 5-Course Bundle →Bundle prices are course access only. The optional $190 UMass Global transcript fee is paid separately, course-by-course, anytime.
New Jersey Teacher FAQ
Will my NJ district accept these credits for salary advancement?
Most New Jersey districts accept regionally accredited graduate credit for salary lane advancement, and UMass Global is regionally accredited by WSCUC. Salary lane rules are set in your district's master agreement and processed by HR — so a quick check with your HR office or salary committee before enrolling is always a good move. If your district needs documentation from us (course syllabi, accreditation verification, course numbers), email info@forteachersbyteachers.org.
Will these courses count toward my 20-hour annual PDP?
Yes. Under New Jersey's professional development regulations (N.J.A.C. 6A:9C-4.4), a 3-credit graduate course is typically calculated at 45 PD hours by seat time — more than double the 20-hour annual minimum. Your supervisor approves PDP content as part of your individual professional development plan, so confirm with them that the course aligns with your PDP goals.
Are these courses graduate-level? Is this official university credit?
Yes. The optional credits are graduate-level, non-degree semester units issued by UMass Global, regionally accredited by WSCUC. They're the same type of credit New Jersey teachers commonly use for salary lane movement — BA+15, BA+30, MA+15, MA+30 — at every step of the schedule.
Do I have to pay the $190 transcript fee right away?
No. The university transcript fee is completely optional and can be paid anytime — including after you finish the course. The payment link sits inside your online classroom, ready when you need it. Many teachers wait until their district confirms approval before paying.
What if my district has a salary lane change deadline coming up?
Most NJ districts process lane changes once or twice a year (often September 1 or February 1) with submission deadlines weeks earlier. If you're working backward from a specific deadline, our courses are 100% self-paced — you can enroll today and finish on the timeline you need. Email us if you want help thinking through the math.
What if I enroll and it's not the right fit?
We offer a 7-day refund window. Enroll, log in, preview the course materials, and if it's not what you expected, email us within 7 days for a refund. Full details on our Terms page.
Why Teachers Choose For Teachers By Teachers
Real feedback from educators nationwide:
"This was my first online professional development course. I found it to be organized, well presented, interesting and most importantly inspiring! The effort, skill, and dedication to helping teachers and students succeed is evident and so appreciated."
— M.B., Kindergarten Teacher
"This course was a goldmine! It has been the most organized and well-planned PD that I've ever participated in. I plan on taking every class that For Teachers By Teachers has to offer."
— A.B., Middle School Teacher
"Enrolling in this course was one of the best things that I've done to help me succeed in my profession."
— K.L., High School Teacher
"This was an amazing ride – I enjoyed every lesson, every video, and every assignment!"
— L.S., Grades 3–5 Teacher
"I LOVED this course and cannot thank you enough for continuing to make professional development that is do-able, worthwhile, and affordable for teachers."
— K.H., Elementary Teacher
"Without exaggeration, your courses are the most enjoyable of all, and I've taken a lot of PD courses! What distinguishes your courses from other courses isn't only the format, but the life enriching content that makes us grow as human beings, as well as educators."
— I.F., Middle School Teacher
Ready to Earn Your NJ Graduate Credits?
Looking for bundles? Scroll up to see options — save up to $326.
Many districts reimburse PD. We provide receipts and itemized invoices for HR.
Purchase Orders accepted — click for PO instructions →
Questions? info@forteachersbyteachers.org