Montclair State University

The Teacher Education Advocacy Center (TEAC) exists to enhance the quality of the Teacher Education Program at Montclair State University, particularly by encouraging and supporting the recruitment and preparation of students from minority groups (e.g. linguistic; cultural; racial and/or ethnic) into teaching. Founded in 1998, TEAC promotes the development and implementation of culturally responsive educational programs and academic assistance activities for pre-collegiate, undergraduate and graduate students. It is also active in research pertaining to education and diversity.

TEAC has special initiatives that respond to the changing demographics of New Jersey as it relates to the need to recruit a well-prepared teaching force. Full-time advisors/counselors are on hand to assess student needs and provide personalized support, academic guidance, college life adjustment, counseling, mentoring, career networking and financial aid assistance. TEAC interacts with several offices on campus to provide students with appropriate interventions designed specifically for them.

Future Educators Association (FEA)

A joint venture with local public schools, Montclair State's Future Educators Association Chapter works with Montclair State University Network for Educational Renewal school districts to identify and encourage academically promising students to consider a career in education. MSU/FEA is affiliated with the national Future Educators Association organization, c/o Phi Delta Kappa International (see http://www.futureeducators.org)

Montclair State sponsors annual on-campus events for middle and high school students and their teachers and helps students gain a realistic understanding of the nature of education and the role of the teacher. Beginning in grade six, future educators participate in a variety of assisting activities with teacher mentors in their classrooms. MSU's Future Educators Association chapter strives to interest students in the field of education early in their school experience and places a strong emphasis on the recruitment of students from diverse ethnic, racial, social and economic backgrounds.

Early Childhood Cohort

The Teacher Education Advocacy Center, in conjunction with the Urban Teaching Academy, is enthusiastically involved in the recruitment and retention of students graduating from Passaic County Community College and Essex County Community College who want to become early childhood educators. The students who transfer from these two-year institutions will be afforded every opportunity to successfully complete the Montclair State University baccalaureate program with P-3 teaching certification. By establishing a cohort, the P-3 program addresses the needs of non-traditional students who may be employed full-time and/or have familial responsibilities. This is done by establishing cohesiveness, through Saturday and evening cohort classes, financial support, and a full-time advisor/counselor for students in the program. The early childhood cohort members participate in community internships in Paterson and Newark. Other Early Childhood Teacher Licensure programs at MSU include:

- Post-baccalaureate Program in Early Childhood Education (Preschool through Grade 3)
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood (Concentration in Family Child Studies)
- P-3 Program Modified Alternate Route
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood (Preschool through Grade 3)

Freshman Cohort Learning Community

The Freshman Cohort is a multicultural learning community for entering students who are considering becoming teachers. Cohort members are recruited by TEAC from the entering freshman class to develop a racially and ethnically balanced cohort. Through an annual application process, TEAC identifies 15-20 candidates of varying racial/ethnic backgrounds, academic disciplines, and academic histories to enroll in the same sections of Psychology 101 (General Psychology), English 105 (Freshman Composition), and Psychology 104 (New Student Experience). The cohort explores aspects of teacher education related to how students learn, experience diversity, equity, and privilege. Arts & Science faculty serve as mentors to these students, meeting with them two to three times during the semester. The cohort provides an excellent opportunity for students to get to know each other, form study groups, and discuss their mutual interest in the teaching profession. A TEAC counselor provides ongoing support and advisement and continues to act as a resource to students as they matriculate through the Teacher Education Program.

For more information about the Freshman Cohort Learning Community, please contact:

Ruth Zerwitz, Counselor
Teacher Education Advocacy Center
Center of Pedagogy
Montclair State University
University Hall, Room 1168
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 655-7799
Fax (973) 655-7776
zerwitzr@mail.montclair.edu

Community Connection Mentoring Program

The mission of the Community Connection Mentoring Program (CCMP) is to develop in K-12 students the requisite skills, knowledge and dispositions that will enable them to become highly effective students. We are committed to promoting a positive self concept while developing problem solving and critical thinking abilities in these students. This is accomplished through the use of a variety of approaches and strategies, which enable students to develop and enhance their own learning.

The Multicultural Inclusive Teacher Candidates' Organization (MINTCO)

The Multicultural Inclusive Teacher Candidates' Organization (MINTCO) consists of students from diverse cultures, races and backgrounds who are pursuing initial teacher certification. MINTCO welcomes all students who have an interest in improving education. The purpose of the organization is to provide both undergraduate and graduate students with a community of learners from whom they can receive support, information, and advice as they progress through the Teacher Education Program. The organization provides a forum for networking with campus and public school faculty to discuss substantive issues in education.

For more information on MINTCO and upcoming meetings, please contact:
Jan Johnson, Program Assistant
University Hall, Room 1168
973-655-7696
johnsonjan@mail.montclair.edu

TEAC Grants

A limited number of need-based grants are available through TEAC to teacher education candidates who demonstrate persistence in their programs and who plan to pursue teaching careers in urban school districts. Available only to those who have been accepted into the Teacher Education Program, students may obtain applications for financial assistance to pay for the cost of education (e.g. tuition, room, and board, etc.) through the Teacher Education Advocacy Center.

Writing Support

TEAC provides support to students who need to strengthen their writing skills. This service is provided free of charge to students in the Teacher Education Program as well as to students referred by any of the sub-units within TEAC. Students interested in discussing writing support options should contact the TEAC office, Suite 1160 in University Hall, 973-655-7696 or via email via email at johnsonjan@mail.montclair.edu

Praxis Review Sessions

PRAXIS review sessions are available free of charge for matriculated students in the Teacher Education Program. The review session is a three-hour seminar which covers both general test-taking strategies and technical assistance for specific subject areas. Students are encouraged to register to take the PRAXIS as soon as they attain senior status or have accumulated 90 credits. Students are required to pass the PRAXIS before their student teaching semester. PRAXIS registration information is available in the TEAC office, Suite 1160 in University Hall.

TEAC recommends following these 5 steps to prepare for the PRAXIS:

Find out exactly what PRAXIS test you are required to take to become certified. The list of tests and test codes are posted on the bulletin board next to the Teacher Education Advocacy Center, Suite 1160 University Hall.
Stop by University Hall, Suite 1160 and pick up a PRAXIS registration bulletin. Read it carefully. Pick a test date and return the registration form to the Educational Testing Service.
Download the PRAXIS "Test at a Glance" Booklet for your subject area from the ETS/PRAXIS website. Go to: http://www.ets.org/praxis/prxtest.html and page down until you see you subject area listed. Click on the code number next to the test. (You will need Adobe Acrobat to download the test.)
Go to the ADP Center in University Hall and review the PRAXIS preparation books. Ask the attendant for help locating books that review the subject matter you are being tested on.
Call (973) 655-7799 for information about when the next PRAXIS review session will be.

Click here to view a PDF version of the Praxis Review Sessions flyer.

News and Publications

Robinson, J., A. Paccione, F. Rodriguez (2003). A Place where people care: A case study of recruitment and retention of minority-group teachers. Excellence and Equity in Education, 36, no. 3.
Lucas, T. & Robinson, J.J. (2003). Reaching them early: Identifying and supporting prospective teachers. Journal of Education for Teaching, 29, no.2.
Lucas, T. & Robinson, J.J. (2002). Promoting the retention of prospective teachers through a cohort for college freshmen. The High School Journal. 86, no. 1.

Additional Resources

Professional Organizations
New Jersey Education Association - www.njea.org
National Association for the Education of Young Children - www.naeyc.org
National Education Association - www.nea.org

Scholarship Websites
Fast Web Scholarship Search Site - www.fastweb.com
Jumpstart Scholarship - www.udel.edu/CSC/maee/scholarships.html
Hispanic Fund Scholarship - www.hispanicfund.org

Other Links of Interest
Praxis Test Information - www.ets.org
Learning Resource Center - Morris Plains, East Orange - www.eirc.org/services/

Contact Information

For questions or further information on any of the services and programs provided by TEAC, please contact:

Barice Williamson, Director
Teacher Education Advocacy Center
Montclair State University
University Hall, Room 1172
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 655-7696
Fax: (973) 655-7776
williamsonba@mail.montclair.edu

Jan Johnson, Program Assistant
Teacher Education Advocacy Center
Montclair State University
University Hall, Room 1170
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 655-7696
Fax: (973) 655-7776
johnsonjan@mail.montclair.edu

Ruth Zerwitz, Counselor
Teacher Education Advocacy Center
Montclair State University
University Hall, Room 1168
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 655-7799
Fax (973) 655-7776
zerwitzr@mail.montclair.edu

Leslie Wilson, Faculty Liaison
Teacher Education Advocacy Center
Montclair State University
University Hall, Room 1191
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 655-7693 or (973) 655-7827
Fax (973) 655-7776
wilsonl@mail.montclair.edu