Special Education—Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement (TOSD) Eligibility Program
NJCU provides opportunity for teachers currently holding a New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing or a standard certificate in an instructional area to enhance their credentials by working toward eligibility for the Teacher of Students with Disabilities endorsement. This endorsement requires 21 credits though the candidate must be accepted to the program on or before 12 credits have accrued and meet all other requirements in the catalog. They may, further, matriculate into a degree program on or before 12 credits are completed, contingent on application to the Office of Admissions. Current degree programs include a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education with an option specializing in autism or one for varying exceptionalities..
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 to an NJCU program on matriculation to a degree program.
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPEC 605 | Introduction to Education and Psychology of Exceptional Children and Youth | 3 |
| SPEC 600 | Introduction to Learning Disabilities | 3 |
| SPEC 505 | Working with Families of Students with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPEC 508 | Helping Exceptional Children and Youth in the Inclusive Classroom | 3 |
| SPEC 640 | Emotional and Behavior Disorders in Children and Youth | 3 |
| SPEC 669 | Developing Communication Skills in Atypical Learners | 3 |
| SPEC 675 | Corrective Techniques for Teaching the Exceptional Student | 3 |
COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
To maintain eligibility for continued enrollment in the Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification eligibility program, 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 cumulative GPA will result in removal from the certificate eligibility 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.