Montclair undergraduate students who plan to enroll in the university's teacher certification program will need to complete several prerequisite courses. The specific prerequisites required depend on what subject or grade level a student plans to teach. Prospective early childhood and elementary program candidates must take classes in psychology, speech, child development, early childhood education as well as complete coursework in the subjects they will teach. Middle and secondary education students, who typically teach only one subject, complete prerequisites in speech, educational theory and their intended subject. Students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 in order to qualify for full admission to the teacher certification program.
In addition to the prerequisite coursework, candidates will need to obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member and submit writing samples to the MSU Teacher Education Retention and Admissions Department. Once transcripts and the supporting documentation are approved, students will participate in an interview with the department's admissions committee. Candidates who plan to teach art or music must present a portfolio or audition as well.
In addition to completing course requirements in their major, students accepted into the Montclair State University teacher education certification program take a series of education courses. This series -- called the Professional Sequence -- varies according to the student's intended certification. Those in the early childhood program -- which focuses on preschool to grade three -- take courses in early childhood psychology, literacy development and literature and problem solving in science and math, according to the department's website. Students in the kindergarten through grade five certification program complete courses in social studies, the arts, reading and exploration in math and science. The Professional Sequence for students seeking certification in a subject area includes coursework in learning assessment, literacy, technology and diversity.
In addition, all Montclair teacher education students are required to complete a physiology and hygiene course as mandated by the New Jersey Department of Education. According to the MSU teacher education handbook, there are numerous courses offered at the university that fulfill this requirement including biology, anatomy, health and nutrition.
MSU seniors in the teacher education program that have passed the PRAXIS II examination spend the majority of their final year in a public school classroom. Students seeking subject area certification complete a fieldwork experience during the first semester of their senior year. They observe teaching methods and classroom procedures first-hand. Students will also have the opportunity to work with students and teach a few lessons under the supervision of the mentoring teacher. Early childhood and elementary program students complete clinical experiences that are similar in purpose to fieldwork. They observe a classroom, participate in activities under their mentor's supervision and spend a period of time with other school personnel, according to the MSU teacher education handbook.
All seniors finish their teacher education program by completing a semester-long full-time student teaching experience. They create, present and evaluate lesson plans for their assigned classes. Student teachers also attend their schools' faculty meetings and supervise students in a variety of settings. Providing classroom assistance or tutoring sessions for students is required as well. Student teachers are evaluated throughout the semester and receive a Summarized Record of Student Teaching at the end of their teaching experience. This final evaluation will determine whether a student who has met all other requirements is eligible for teacher certification.