Special Education—Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Endorsement Eligibility
NJCU offers a 24-credit online Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC) endorsement program for New Jersey teachers certified to teach special education or an allied field and with at least two years of successful teaching experience under a standard certificate. A master’s degree in special education from an accredited university is also required for admission to this program.
Completion of this rigorous non-degree program requires two 50-hour practicums, the candidate’s willingness to ensure enlistment of a volunteer who is a qualified LDTC mentor, his/her principal’s permission, and satisfactory completion of all coursework and field experiences. The program begins in the fall semester, and courses are taken as a cohort in the fall and spring. Candidates are required to take two courses each semester, and once accepted, candidates must take all coursework through NJCU.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION ARE:
- Official transcript(s) with 3.0 out of 4.0 or higher cumulative GPA
- Essay (250-500 words)
- Recommendation letter from principal, vice principal, or instructional supervisor
- A copy of standard certification(s)
- An original employment verification letter from a school official on school letterhead documenting at least two years of successful full-time teaching experience and current employment as a teacher
- A master’s degree in special education from an accredited university
- Interview, as necessary at the discretion of the application committee
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
The LDTC endorsement eligibility program begins each fall semester, and courses are taken as a cohort in the fall and spring. All of the courses are taught online. The Office of Special Education enrolls candidates in courses, and candidates are required to take two courses each semester. Once accepted to the LDTC endorsement eligibility program, candidates must take all coursework through NJCU.
Each candidate must ensure documented enlistment of a volunteer who is a qualified LDTC mentor and secure his/her principal’s permission to participate in the following experiences:
- Consult with a qualified, certified district employed LDTC who volunteers to serve as a mentor and who is currently assigned to the school, preferably one who has a minimum of three years of experience
- Design assessment plans based on referral issues
- Complete learning evaluations for students referred for child study, preferably students at different age/grade levels
- Use a variety of testing material, conduct observations and review records as required
- Score assessments and write reports in consultation with the LDTC mentor
- Contribute to and develop Individualized Education Plans by making educational recommendations to remediate diagnosed learning difficulties
- Consult with administrators, teachers, child study team and parents; participate in planning and child study team meetings; interpret the results of evaluations and remediation plans to other professionals and parents
- Utilize trial teaching and other strategies to address the learning needs of students demonstrating learning differences and difficulties
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster II: LDTC Core Requirements 2 | 12 | |
| SPEC 670 | Remediation of Learning Disabilities | 3 |
| SPEC 672 | Physiological and Learning Factors in the Education of Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPEC 702 | Cognition, Motivation, and Instructional Practice | 3 |
| SPEC 697 | Diagnose Children with Learning Disabilities | 3 |
| Cluster III: Clinical Core Requirements 3 | 12 | |
| SPEC 673 | Function on the Child Study Team | 3 |
| SPEC 674 | Interpersonal and Consultation Techniques in Special Education | 3 |
| SPEC 698 | Practicum in Learning Disabilities I: Diagnosis 4 | 3 |
| SPEC 699 | Practicum in Learning Disabilities II: Remediation 4 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
- 1
Cluster II must be taken two courses per semester.
- 2
Cluster III must be taken two courses per semester with Departmental permission on completion of Cluster II coursework.
- 3
The practicum provides opportunities for a candidate to apply his/her knowledge and skills under the supervision of a university professor and an appropriately experienced LDTC identified by the candidate. Typically, the practicum is completed while the candidate continues teaching.
Once accepted into this program, candidates are required to take all courses in Clusters II and III at NJCU.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Special Education-Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Endorsement Eligibility program, students will be able to:
- 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.