Elementary Education—Teacher Certification, M.A.T.
This concentration within the Master of Arts in Teaching Program is designed for individuals who have completed an appropriate baccalaureate degree in the liberal arts. Students who complete the certification part of this program will be eligible for Elementary (K-6) Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing endorsement on a New Jersey Instructional License. Successful completion of this program enables individuals to become effective educators by meeting the wider ranging needs of learners with vastly different experiences, language backgrounds, economic statuses, and cultures. The program prepares candidates to incorporate technology into their classroom activities, respond to varied learning styles, and keep pace with education trends and demands.
Program is now fully online (aside from clinical practice experiences) to provide a maximum amount of flexibility.
The Master of Arts in Teaching–Elementary Education Specialization is designed to accommodate full and part-time students. The program requires field experiences in which candidates teach lessons to a student or a small group of students. In the final semester, students must be available for full-time student teaching.
Secondary Education (M.A.T.) with:
- Secondary Education Teacher Certification
- Specialization in K-12 Content Area including: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Science, Social Studies, and Spanish
Admission requirements:
- A completed Graduate Application
- A 250-500 word essay discussing your goals and objectives for pursuing admission to the degree program to which you are applying
- Official transcripts from all previous U.S. colleges attended or official NACES course-by-course evaluation of any foreign transcripts*
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Passing scores on Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (or waived, if applicable)
- Passing scores on Praxis II Content Knowledge (see ETS for testing requirement)
- Official documentation of English Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Pre-requisites:
- Behavioral science courses or advised equivalent/alternatives
- Studies in Physiology, Health and Hygiene or Equivalent
- Studies in Developmental Psychology
- Studies in Intercultural Relations
- Demonstration of Computer Literacy
*Note: NJCU does not evaluate international transcripts. In lieu of a transcript, applicants with a non-U.S. degree need to submit a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES Accredited Member that includes U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency information for their coursework.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EDU 654 | Urban Challenge | 3 |
| EDU 628 | Learning and Motivation | 3 |
| EDU 694 | Curriculum: Math Science Technology | 3 |
| EDU 691 | Curriculum Integrating Social Studies World Cultures Literature | 3 |
| EDU 684 | Integrated Curriculum and Instruction including Diverse Populations | 3 |
| or EDU 629 | Individualizing the Learning Experience | |
| EDU 693 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| EDU 645 | Curriculum and Methods | 3 |
| LTED 606 | (Or approved LTED alternative) | 3 |
| EDU 621 | Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| EDU 619 | Research Seminar (EDU 621 is a prerequisite for EDU 619) | 3 |
| EDU 500 | Classroom Management Workshop | 1 |
| EDU 651 | Clinical Practice I | 1 |
| EDU 655 | Student Teaching Internship & Seminar | 4 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
| EDU 628 | Learning and Motivation | 3 |
| EDU 654 | Urban Challenge | 3 |
| EDU 694 | Curriculum: Math Science Technology | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| EDU 691 | Curriculum Integrating Social Studies World Cultures Literature | 3 |
| EDU 684 or EDU 629 | Integrated Curriculum and Instruction including Diverse Populations or Individualizing the Learning Experience | 3 |
| EDU 693 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| EDU 645 | Curriculum and Methods | 3 |
| LTED 606 | 3 | |
| EDU 621 | Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| EDU 651 | Clinical Practice I | 1 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| EDU 619 | Research Seminar | 3 |
| EDU 500 | 1 | |
| EDU 655 | Student Teaching Internship & Seminar | 4 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Elementary Education-Teacher Certification program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of the subject matter they plan to teach.
- Demonstrate their pedagogical knowledge, integrating their understanding of their pupils’ developmental levels, individual differences, learning exceptionalities, and sociocultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrate effective instruction, caring behavior, and reflection to improve practice.
- Know and value how individuals are shaped by their life experiences as mediated by factors such as social class, gender, race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, age, and social needs. Our candidates know, value, and engage in culturally responsive teaching to promote social justice, particularly in our urban areas.
- Use appropriate technology in carrying out their professional responsibilities.