There is no time like the present to get started in Trout in the Classroom. Teachers must have their equipment ordered and set up and be registered with the program by August 15 of the year in which they wish to participate. This enables the tank to develop a healthy trout habitat and be ready to receive eyed eggs in October.

GETTING STARTED

Step 1. Learn more about NJ TIC

Step 2. Email the NJ TIC State Coordinator to be added to the Future Teacher List. This will allow us to contact you with important updates, program changes, etc.

Step 3. Secure funding

• Funding can be obtained through grants, organizations, PTO/PTAs, foundations, etc.
• Initial funding will cost approximately $1,200 – $1,500.
• Yearly funding will cost approximately $200.00.

Step 4. Order equipment

Make sure all of your equipment will be at your school and set up by August 15, so that you are ready to begin the program.

•  The earlier you order the better, since some items may be on back order and may not come in on time.
•  We ask that you do this first, because the fish eggs are not limited.

Step 5. Register for the program by August 15.

• You will need to have your tank set up and running prior to completing registration.
• Complete and submit the Registration Form and the Memorandum of Understanding and Release Permit Application.

Trout may only be released in the waters on the spreadsheet. These waters are chosen by our biologists because they meet the year-round habitat requirements of trout. By obtaining a release permit, we can accurately track where our Trout in the Classroom fish are being released.

In order to register for the upcoming school year, please complete the Registration Form, the Memorandum of Understanding and the Release Permit Application.

• Registration Form
  Please note that this should only be filled in and submitted if you have your equipment and are set up and ready to go for the fall. In order to complete the second section of the Registration Form, you will need your materials for the program so that you can do the water testing.
• Memorandum of Understanding and Release Permit Application
  Please review the Release Planning Page before completing the Memorandum of Understanding and Release Permit Application. The list of approved Release Site Locations can be found here. The Release Day Planning Guide has specific release site information so that you can plan the best release day trip for you and your students.
  Return the first two pages of this document, along with page 10 to Jessica Griglak, NJ TIC Coordinator, at Jessica.Griglak@deptest.nj.gov. You will need the information from the Release Site Locations list in order to complete page 10.