Professional Studies Building, Room 345
201-200-3081

The secondary program (K-12 certification) of the Department of Teaching, Learning, & Literacy prepares candidates to become reflective practitioners in urban schools. Our courses focus on the socio-historical and theoretical foundations of education, educational psychology, content-specific and multidisciplinary methods, and differentiated instruction for today's diverse classroom. Students engage in nurturing clinical experiences that equip them with the practical know-how to plan, implement, and assess effective and engaging lessons. Our General Education courses are open to all majors.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THIS CONCENTRATION ARE:

• A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0.
• A minimum of B- or better on all education courses
• Passing scores on the Praxis CORE, or 560 verbal, 540 Math on the SAT, or23 or higher on the ACT, or 155 verbal, 156 quantitative on the GRE.

Passing scores on the Praxis CORE Academic Skills for Educators Tests, as of 9/1/19:

• Math Test #5733         Passing Score 150
• Reading Test #5713    Passing Score 156
• Writing Test #5723     Passing Score 162

Students who meet the score levels below are not required to take the Praxis CORE:

SAT Scores

• If taken before 4/1/1995: Math 520, Reading 480
• If taken between 4/1/1995 to 2/28/2016: Math 540, Reading 560
• If taken on or after 3/1/2016: Math 570, 610 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing or 30 Reading Section

ACT Scores

• If taken before 8/28/1989: Math 23, English 20
• If taken on or after 8/28/1989: Math 23, English 23

GRE Scores

• If taken before 8/1/2011: Quantitative 720, Verbal 530
• If taken on or after 8/1/2011: Quantitative 156, Verbal 155

For more information on Praxis exams:  https://www.ets.org/praxis/nj/requirements

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION OF THIS DEGREE TRACK ARE:

• Completion of NJCU General Education requirements or equivalent
• Successful completion of major in intended content area
• Passing scores on appropriate Praxis II Exam
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Completion of clinical experience and clinical practice (student teaching)
• Students will be required to complete a sequence of 50 observation hours in Phase I as per New Jersey Department of Education guidelines

This includes submission of the performance assessment, edTPA, as required by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Note: For the most updated information on this teaching certification program, students are directed to contact the College of Education as changes may have occurred since publication.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Secondary Education program, we make the following claims:

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