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Traders to Teachers
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Montclair State University is pleased to announce Traders to Teachers, a teacher preparation program that allows individuals displaced from the financial sector or similar industries to pursue certification to teach mathematics. This accelerated program, which is supported by the collaborative efforts of the College of Education & Human Services and the College of Science & Mathematics is for individuals who have used mathematics in their jobs, and have a sincere desire to become mathematics teachers, whether or not they majored in mathematics in college.
Program Overview:
The program began in September 2009 and additional cohorts will begin in the Spring of 2010. Successful applicants spend three months in an intensive, full-time (five days/week) program learning mathematics and how to teach it and spending one day each week observing and beginning to teach mathematics in a high school or middle school. Upon successful completion of the three-month component of the program, candidates will be placed in paid teaching positions in public schools in New Jersey. A commitment to teach at least through two years in these schools is expected from candidates. Intensive professional support will be provided during these first two years. After teaching successfully for two years, completing additional mathematics courses as determined on an individual basis, and passing the secondary mathematics PRAXIS II exam, candidates will be recommended by the University to the state for standard, permanent teaching certification in Mathematics.
Participants will not be charged tuition, as the N.J. Department of Labor will fund the cost of the three-month program for eligible participants (displaced workers). It is possible that self-paying participants who are not displaced workers will be admitted into the program on a space available basis, but first priority goes to qualified displaced workers. However, all admitted students will be responsible for fees at various stages of the program, including approximately $160 for a Substitute License, $80 for the Praxis II Examination and up to $2500 once teaching full-time (over a 2-year period) for the mentoring component of the program.
Program Eligibility:
The Department of Labor will determine eligibility for their funding based on employment status. Further review for admission to Traders to Teachers will be conducted by program officials.
In addition successful applicants will demonstrate:
- A solid academic record.
- A strong background in mathematics, preferably through Calculus II.
- Flexibility with regard to location of assignments. For the first cohort of Traders to Teachers, assignments for field experiences and employment will be made solely by the University in collaboration with partner school districts, which are located in Northern New Jersey.
- Flexibility with regard to grade level assignment.
- A commitment to:
- participate in the teacher preparation component of the program on a full-time basis for 3-4 months,
- teaching for at least two years at their assigned school,
- the completion of additional mathematics preparation as needed, passing the secondary Mathematics Praxis II test and completing any additional requirements in order to receive New Jersey Standard Certification for Mathematics (permanent teaching certification).
Applying to the Program:
To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must submit all of the following materials by the application deadline (October 23 for January cohort):
- Application for Montclair State Graduate Admission and a nonrefundable $60 application fee
(In the online application, choose Professional Nondegree program/Traders to Teachers)
- Official college transcripts
- Current resume
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Essay
Candidates who demonstrate sufficient proficiency on the math placement test will be invited back to campus for Interview Day, which consists of:
- In-person interview with University and school district personnel
- Group discussion
- Impromptu writing assignment
- Program Q&A
Admission is anticipated to be competitive, as there are a limited number of spaces available.
For more information regarding this program, please send an e-mail message to mathteach@montclair.edu
Department of Labor Forms:
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