Center of Pedagogy
Initial Instructional Certification Programs Offered
Application and Admissions Requirements
Certification
Portrait of a Teacher
Additional and Advanced Certificates
Retention in the Program
Program of Study for Subject Area Certification
Program of Study for Early Childhood or Elementary Education
Information Sessions
A student with a baccalaureate degree may pursue an initial New Jersey teaching certificate at MSU. Fully certified teachers may obtain additional teaching field endorsements or advanced certification at MSU. The Center of Pedagogy's Teacher Education Program oversees graduate programs at the University that lead to initial teacher certification. The Teacher Education Program also oversees the Teacher of Students with Disabilities program. All other programs - i.e., those leading to additional/advanced certification - are handled by the College of Education and Human Services and the Graduate School.
To learn more about certification programs offered via the Teacher Education Program, we invite you to attend an information session. Click here to view dates. For information regarding the Ed.D. in Pedagogy, click here.
Montclair State's Teacher Education Program has a number of distinctive features. The Center of Pedagogy oversees teacher education functions including a network of partner schools which provides real world settings where students complete their field experiences with a programmatic emphasis on teaching for critical thinking. It is a member of the National Network for Educational Renewal and Teachers for a New Era Learning Network. The commitment of the faculty in the Teacher Education Program is to the enculturation of students into a political and social democracy, the moral dimensions of teaching, as well as competence and knowledge both in pedagogy and the content to be taught.
Requirements for certification are subject to change by the New Jersey Department of Education regulation and University policy. Students should consult with their advisors on a regular basis.
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Initial Instructional Certification Programs Offered
At Montclair State University, those who hold a bachelor's or master's degree and who wish to gain their first teaching certificate are offered two graduate programs:
1. Master's Degrees in Teaching:
Students with a baccalaureate degree and interest in teaching may earn the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and teaching certification simultaneously. Additional undergraduate course work in the content area may be required to meet certification standards.
- Dual Certification: MAT in Subject Area (P-12) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TSD)
- Teaching (MAT) - Content Areas
- Teaching (MAT) - Elementary and Early Childhood
- Teaching (MAT) - Early Childhood P-3 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities
- Teaching (MAT) - Elementary Education K-5 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities
2. Teacher Certification:
Students with a baccalaureate degree and interest in teaching may earn teacher certification only. Additional undergraduate course work in the content area may be required to meet certification standards.
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Content Areas
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Early Childhood Education (P-3)
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Elementary Education (K-5)
Note: Certification requirements are subject to change.
For a complete list of certification programs available at Montclair State University please visit: http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/pdf/Initial%20Teacher%20Cert%20Areas%2020090723.pdf
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Application and Admissions Requirements
Candidates for admission to the Post-baccalaureate and M.A.T. programs must file a Graduate application and all supporting material online or by mail to the Graduate School, College Hall 203 (Telephone (973) 655-5147). Supporting material includes an official transcript* from every college you attended, two references, and, for the M.A.T. program, GRE scores (general test). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis each semester once all materials are received by the Graduate School.
An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 overall for the Post-baccalaureate certification program and 2.70 overall for the MAT program is required. A higher GPA in the teaching field major may be required by some departments.
In addition, applicants to the M.A.T. and Post-baccalaureate Programs may be required to take the appropriate Praxis II Subject Assessment test prior to being admitted into the Program. Full matriculation requires passing the Praxis. Click here for specific program Praxis requirements.
In addition to transcripts and GRE and Praxis II scores, two recommendations from school or college faculty, or administrators, must be submitted. It is expected that students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the English language.
In selecting students for the graduate level Initial Instructional Certification Program, Montclair State University uses criteria which are related to the kinds of knowledge, abilities, dispositions and character we expect graduates of our Program to possess. The Portrait of a Teacher is a model toward which students in the Program strive. In making decisions on acceptance to the Program, faculty consider such criteria as GPA, knowledge of content of major area of study, commitment to teaching and its varied responsibilities and communication abilities, both written and oral. These criteria enable faculty to assess the likelihood that candidates will achieve the goals inherent in the Portrait of a Teacher.
Interested in taking courses this fall even though it is too late to complete the entire application process?
Our Pre-Admit status allows you to enroll in up to two classes (6 credits) without completing the full application process. Students that meet the following criteria may be given an Instant Admission Decision for Pre-Admit status and will be eligible to register for classes immediately.*
- The Online Application (specifying your program of interest)
- A transcript indicating receipt of an undergraduate or graduate degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA on 4.0 scale in a bachelor's degree program
- The $60.00 application fee
- The Pre-Admit Status Request Form
Please sign up for the Instant Decision Event that best suits your schedule by visiting:
http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/grad_news/article.php?ArticleID=4003&ChannelID=18"
*For international students, TOEFL scores an an evaluated transcript by a NACES member (http://www.naces.org) is required. For permanent residents, a copy of your green card is also requested.
All students should note that admission to the University to take courses does not guarantee admission to the Teacher Education Program, and that any courses taken prior to admission to the Program are taken at the student's own risk.
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Certification
Upon successful completion of the Post-baccalaureate Initial Instructional Certification Program or the M.A.T. program, students are recommended to the New Jersey Department of Education for a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing. This certificate enables the holder to pursue a full-time teaching position in a public school. Currently, new teachers must successfully complete a one year induction program of teaching under a provisional certificate to be eligible for a permanent or standard New Jersey instructional certificate. Candidates who already possess a New Jersey standard certificate and who are seeking an additional teaching endorsement are exempt. Persons recommended by the University for certification who have passed the appropriate Praxis examination, will receive a Certificate of Eligibility With Advanced Standing which authorizes the holder to seek and accept offers of employment in New Jersey schools and in other states. The certificate is valid for the lifetime of its holder.
Students interested in teaching outside of New Jersey should seek information from the appropriate state authorities. United States citizenship is required for standard (permanent) New Jersey certification. A temporary, non-citizen certificate may be available to those who will become U.S. citizens.
As reported under Title II of the Higher Education Act, 100% of students who completed Montclair State University's programs for initial teacher certification in AY 2006-2007 passed the Praxis test. View a summary of the Title II report.
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Additional and Advanced Certificates
Students already holding teaching certificates may apply to the University to take coursework leading to additional endorsements or advanced certificates. They are not eligible for the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program. However, other education-related master's programs are available and are described on links under the Graduate School.
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Portrait of a Teacher
The Montclair State University community is committed to the continuing development of teachers who exemplify the character, dispositions and habits of mind reflected in this portrait. They:
- Have expert knowledge of the disciplines they will teach and can use various strategies, including media and technology, for creating learning experiences that make the subject matter accessible and meaningful to all students.
- Understand how children and adolescents learn and develop in a variety of school, family and community contexts, and can provide learning opportunities that support their students' intellectual, social, and personal development.
- Understand the practice of culturally responsive teaching. They understand that children bring varied talents, strengths, and perspectives to learning; have skills for learning about the diverse students they teach; and use knowledge of students and their lives to design and carry out instruction that builds on students' individual and cultural strengths.
- Plan instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, families, communities, and curriculum goals and standards; and taking into account issues of class, gender, race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, age, and special needs in designing instruction.
- Understand critical thinking and problem solving, and create learning experiences that promote the development of students' critical thinking and problem solving skills and dispositions.
- Understand principles of democracy and plan and carry out instruction that promotes democratic values and communication in the classroom.
- Understand and use multiple forms of assessment to promote the intellectual, social, and physical development of learners and to inform instruction.
- Create a community in the classroom that is nurturing, caring, safe, and conducive to learning.
- Are reflective practitioners who continually inquire into the nature of teaching and learning, reflect on their own learning and professional practice, evaluate the effects of their choices and actions on others, and seek out opportunities to grow professionally.
- Build relationships with school colleagues, families, and agencies in the community to support students' learning and well-being, and work to foster an appreciation of diversity among students and colleagues.
- Possess the literacy skills associated with an educated person; can speak and write English fluently and communicate clearly.
- Develop dispositions expected of professional educators. These include belief in the potential of schools to promote social justice; passion for teaching; and commitment to ensuring equal learning opportunities for every student, critical reflection, inquiry, critical thinking, and life-long learning, the ethical and enculturating responsibilities of educators, and serving as agents of change and stewards of best practice.
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Retention in the Program
Students who are accepted into the Teacher Education Program are evaluated periodically. Students are responsible for reviewing the Teacher Education Program Handbook to determine criteria used to determine eligibility for student teaching and the University's recommendation for certification. By 12 graduate credits in the program, all students must submit Praxis II entrance ticket or passing score(s) depending on the content area requirements.
To be eligible for the Professional Year coursework and Field experiences, students must pass a retention review by the Teacher Education Program. All teaching field and professional education coureses must be successfully completed with a 2.75 GPA (minimum) overall, in teaching field, and in professional education courses. (Some departments require a higher GPA in teh teaching field. Consult department advisor.) See Teacher Education Program Handbook for additional retention criteria. In addition, a timely Fieldwork Application must be submitted to the Fieldwork Department in the Center of Pedagogy. Fieldwork applications must be filed by October 1 for the spring semester and by March 1 for the fall semester. There is a separate application and specific requirements for "In-Service Student Teaching." Applications are available online.
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Program of Study for Subject Area Certification
For program requirements, please visit: http://cehs.montclair.edu/academic/curriculumteach/programs/masterteaching.shtml
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Program of Study for Early Childhood (P-3) and Elementary Education (K-5) Certification
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Information Sessions for Graduate Applicants
Montclair State University Center of Pedagogy
Teacher Education Information Sessions for Graduate Applicants
Upcoming graduate information sessions are as follows:
- Wednesday, September 23, 2009
- Sunday, October 25, 2009 (Graduate Open House)
- Wednesday, November 18, 2009
- Wednesday, December 16, 2009
For more information please click on this link.
Please attend one of these sessions if:
- you wish to prepare for a teaching career in pre-school, elementary or secondary schools
- you hold a bachelor's degree
- you are not already certified to teach
- you are thinking of teaching and want to learn more
In the mean time, if you have any other questions, feel free to contact the below staff members to help you get more specific information about our many wonderful Teacher Education programs.
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