Special Education—Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement Eligibility Program, M.A.T.

This master’s degree program includes the 21 credits required for Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) endorsement eligibility. The program is designed for those initially certified (Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing, CEAS, or Standard Certificate) in and NJDOE content area of education other than Special Education.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION ARE:
 

  • Official transcript(s) with 3.00 or higher cumulative GPA 
  • Essay (250-500 words) 
  • A copy of a standard New Jersey certification(s) or CEAS in an instructional area 
  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 

TRANSFER CREDITS
 

Credits are not transferable to this program though students may compile credits from different programs in application for the endorsement to the state. Credits are only transferable for candidates on matriculation to a degree program.

Curriculum Requirements
SPEC 605Introduction to Education and Psychology of Exceptional Children and Youth3
SPEC 600Introduction to Learning Disabilities3
SPEC 505Working with Families of Students with Disabilities3
SPEC 508Helping Exceptional Children and Youth in the Inclusive Classroom3
SPEC 640Emotional and Behavior Disorders in Children and Youth3
SPEC 669Developing Communication Skills in Atypical Learners3
SPEC 675Corrective Techniques for Teaching the Exceptional Student3
NOTE: Endorsement eligibility course requirements for the TOSD will be fulfilled upon completion of the first seven courses (21 credits) in the sequence as listed above and proof of a CEAS or Standard Certificate in general education. Courses that follow constitute the varying exceptionalities MAT in Special Education option with TOSD.
SPEC 629Teaching the Student with Autism Spectrum Disorders in School and at Home3
SPEC 606LIfespan Assessment in the Care and Education of the Handicapped3
SPEC 631Advanced Procedures for Teaching Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities3
SPEC 691Research Seminar in Special Education3
Total Credits33

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

To maintain eligibility for continued enrollment in the Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification eligibility program (first 21 credits) as well as the Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education program (33 credits), candidates must maintain a minimum graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 out of 4.0 throughout their course of study at the University. Falling below a 3.0 GPA will result in removal from either program, with no recourse for readmission.

On successful completion of the TOSD program, candidates may apply for the endorsement through the Administrator for Certification in the Center for Teacher Preparation and Partnerships in P203A. They may submit an application for the TOSD along with a copy of their New Jersey teaching certificate (CEAS or Standard) in an instructional area of general education. Candidates are advised NOT to apply on their own but through the University as it is much more efficient to apply through the University.Application for the TOSD is completed through the Certification Administrator, Ms. Cynthia Vazquez, in the Center for Teacher Preparation and Partnerships in P203A.

Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive or Praxis II examination in completing the degree. In the 2017-2018 academic year, Special Education Core Knowledge and Applications (ETS Praxis 5354) applies and practice is highly recommended. Practice materials are available through the Frank Guarini Library. Although the Praxis is not required by the state of New Jersey, it is required for the degree. Candidates are encouraged to check the examination number with the Special Education Office to be sure there has been no change.

When applying for graduation (approximately a semester beforehand), candidates (not ETS) must send their scanned Praxis II score to:

   Renita Bhimdass, Secretary
   Department of Special Education
   New Jersey City University
   2039 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
   Jersey City, NJ 07305
   Phone: (201)200-2121
   Email: rtaylor@njcu.edu

In addition, scores should be sent to:
  
   Jimmy Lau

   Graduate Graduation Clearance Officer
   Associate Registrar - Interim
   Associate Director of Enrollment Management
   New Jersey City University
   2039 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
   Jersey City, NJ 07305
   Phone: (201)200-2121
   Email: jlau@njcu.edu

Or, you may email your score to:

   Sohaib Talat
   Registrar’s Office H214
   Phone: (201) 200 3483
   Email: stalat@njcu.edu

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of theSpecial Education-Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement Eligibility program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate mastery of the subject matter they plan to teach.
  2. Demonstrate their pedagogical knowledge, integrating their understanding of their pupils’ developmental levels, individual differences, learning exceptionalities, and sociocultural backgrounds.
  3. Demonstrate effective instruction, caring behavior, and reflection to improve practice.
  4. 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.
  5. Use appropriate technology in carrying out their professional responsibilities
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