This paper recounts the controversy surrounding the development and implementation of alternate route teacher certification in New Jersey. The opposing forces in the debate were the governor and the commissioner of education versus education professors and teacher unions. The debate is presented as an uneven conflict in which the forces of the state government, embodied in the political power of the governor, outweighed the influence of the educators. The pros and the cons of each side of the debate are outlined. Some concerns that have been expressed about the alternate route certification program are: insufficient supervision and evaluation of teachers, its extensive use for staffing private schools, and the stress teachers experience teaching in difficult situations while they are meeting the requirements for academic seminar participation. The alternate route may face an uncertain future because of a change in the state's administration; a new governor and commissioner are reviewing the program with some skepticism and different political priorities. Some positive aspects of the alternate route are pointed out. It is a mechanism for staffing urban schools, and it has brought some capable and mature people into teaching. Twenty-nine references are listed. (JD)