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Early Childhood, Elementary and Literacy Education & Educational Foundations

Academic Programs: Graduate

Combined: Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education (Kindergarten through Eighth Grade) with Graduate Certificate in Philosophy for Children

Overview
Admission
Requirements

Overview

This program of combined study is ideal for individuals intending to become certified elementary teachers and who would like to qualify in Philosophy for Children (P4C) at the same time. The advantages of combining the MAT with a qualification in P4C are significant: students save up to nine credits by doing the degrees simultaneously; students are mentored in their P4C practice as part of their clinical experience; students participate in a Professional Seminar that includes a focus on P4C; and students' clinical experience is with teachers who are P4C competent. Experience in P4C makes MAT graduates especially attractive to schools, because teachers, administrators and parents are searching for ways to improve student outcomes while also making the experience of schooling as meaningful as it can be.

Philosophy for Children is an internationally recognized program which focuses on cultivating dialogue, inquiry and good judgment in children and adolescents. It is committed to engaging children and adolescents in philosophical inquiry conducted dialogically around central narrative texts. Montclair State University has been the international home of Philosophy for Children since the inauguration of the Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children (IAPC) thirty years ago. IAPC faculty members have international reputations in philosophy for children and the teaching of thinking, and are at the forefront of teaching and research in these areas. Since 1974, students and scholars from all over the world have made their way to Montclair to study together, under the guidance and directions of this outstanding faculty. Students in P4C programs are educated in American pragmatist philosophy, the theory of dialogue and group process, the philosophy of childhood and the history of philosophy as it relates to different developmental contexts.

The MAT prepares individuals who can improve the lives of children, youth and adults by implementing effective care, education and literacy programs. Students build a strong knowledge base through inquiring and action research, develop skills and dispositions as reflective and caring practitioners, support and enhance systems that demonstrably include respect for all children, youth, adults, and their families; and provide professional leadership on local, state and national levels.

Admission:

Students with a baccalaureate degree and interest in teaching centered on dialogical inquiry-based learning may earn the combined Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and Graduate Certificate in Philosophy for Children. Students who have majored in philosophy are encouraged to apply for this program of combined study.

Candidates for admission must file an Application for Admission to the Graduate School, including all supporting materials by February 15 to be considered for Summer/Fall admission or by September 15 for Spring admission. An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 overall, is required; along with qualifying scores in the general Graduate Record Exam. In addition to transcripts and GRE scores, two recommendations from school or college faculty, or administrators, must be submitted. Candidates are encouraged to submit evidence of substantial meaning experience with children.

After the deadline, candidates will be notified about the next step in the application process, which may include interviews and submission of writing samples. Students who are accepted into the MAT program and the Graduate Certificate in Philosophy for Children will be assigned a faculty advisor from the Early Childhood, Elementary and Literacy Education Department and an IAPC faculty member.

General questions about the MAT program should be directed to Linda Gonzalez, Director, Teacher Education Admission, 973 655 4139. General Questions about the Graduate Certificate in Philosophy for Children should be directed to Megan Laverty, Advisor and Coordinator of Graduate programs in Philosophy for Children, 973 655 4351 and/or lavertym@mail.montclair.edu