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Overview
Teacher education is a longstanding strength at CSE, and our graduates are consistently in high demand as teachers and administrators at schools in New Jersey and other states. We offer an array of degree and certificate programs to meet the needs of everyone from undergraduates preparing for a career in teaching to mid-career teachers and administrators seeking to advance as professional educators. All education programs are approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education.
Undergraduate Teacher Education - Students preparing for careers in teaching may choose to major in Elementary Education or to connect a minor with Secondary School Certification to their major field of study. Students have hands-on classroom experiences from freshman year on, beginning with volunteer work in school settings during freshman year and culminating in senior-year student teaching. Certification options include Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 3, Kindergarten to Grade 5, Special Education, and Secondary School certification. All undergraduate education majors graduate prepared for certification in at least two areas. CSE is one of a few New Jersey colleges that offer reciprocal certification in five states in the region.
Graduate Programs for Educators - Graduate level programs include:
- M.A. in Education for professional educators who wish to take on greater leadership roles in schools and other educational settings.
- M.A. in Educational Leadership, for those seeking to become school principals or to assume other high-level administrative positions.
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, for educators seeking advanced learning to enrich their careers in schools, colleges, and other settings.
Teacher Certification Programs - Evening programs enable those who have a bachelor's degree to become certified in K-5 and K-12 education or to be certified as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. An accelerated, Saturday-only program leads to certification in Pre-K-3 education.
Education
B.A. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education
The Education department offers the Early Childhood and Elementary Education with Dual-Certification, P-3 and K-5 program approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC).
This program meets the professional requirements in those states participating in the reciprocal certification agreement of NASDTEC. Students must follow the NASDTEC approved program. Modification of the program must have the approval of the Chairperson of the department.
For students who already hold a baccalaureate degree and are pursuing the program in teacher certification, an individualized design for certification is completed with faculty in the Education Department. An evening certification program for those who already hold baccalaurate degrees also is available through the Graduate Education Office. Decisions concerning which courses are included in the design are based on requirements from the New Jersey State Department of Education.
Students continuing their education on a part-time basis are welcome to participate in the programs offered by the Education Department. Acceptance into the education major programs or the K-12 teacher education program depends on the approval of the Education Department.
Upon completion of the teacher education program, students apply for the Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing from the New Jersey Department of Education. This certificate qualifies students for employment in the public schools as a provisional teacher, P-3 and K-8, or K-12. Upon completing one year of successful full-time teaching, students are awarded permanent certification by the New Jersey State Department of Education.
All elementary education majors are required to pursue a second major of their choice in the areas of the liberal arts or sciences. Curriculum patterns for completion of the dual major are available in advisement with faculty.
Education Core Requirements for Elementary/Early Childhood Education Dual Certification P-3 and K-8: 36 Credits
- ED 145: Issues in American Education
- ED 252: Early Childhood Education (3)
- ED 253: Behavior Observation and the Assessment Process in Curriculum Development (3)
- ED 263: Adaptations of Strategies and Materials in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education (3)
- ED 341: Science in Early Childhood, Elementary and Special Education (3)
- ED 355: Reading Curriculum in Early Childhood, Elementary and Special Education (3)
- ED 357: Reading and the Expressive Language Arts Curriculum in Early Childhood, Elementary and Special Education (3)
- ED 461: School Organization and Curriculum Design (3)
- ED 465: Senior Practicum Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education (3)
- ED 476: Student Teaching (6)
- ED 471: Student Teaching Seminar (1)
Allied Requirements for the Elementary/Early Childhood Education Major: 24 to 26 Credits
- PSY 241: Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3)
- PSY 251: Educational Psychology (3)
- MATH 145: Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics (3)
- ID 253: World Culture Studies (3)
- ID 273: American Culture Studies (3)
- PE 275: Lifestyling for Wellness (3)
- ART - Elective (3)
- MUS - Elective (1-3)
Minor in Education - Secondary Certification
The Education department offers a minor in Non-graded (K-12) Secondary Education in the areas of Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, and Social Studies, a program approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC).
This program meets the professional requirements in those states participating in the reciprocal certification agreement of NASDTEC. Students must follow the NASDTEC approved program. Modification of the program must have the approval of the Chairperson of the department.
For students who already hold a baccalaureate degree and are pursuing the program in teacher certification, an individualized design for certification is completed with faculty in the Education Department. An evening certification program for those who already hold baccalaurate degrees also is available through the Graduate Education Office. Decisions concerning which courses are included in the design are based on requirements from the New Jersey State Department of Education.
Students continuing their education on a part-time basis are welcome to participate in the programs offered by the Education Department. Acceptance into the education major programs or the K-12 teacher education program depends on the approval of the Education Department.
Upon completion of the teacher education program, students apply for the Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing from the New Jersey Department of Education. This certificate qualifies students for employment in the public schools as a provisional teacher, K-12. Upon completing one year of successful full-time teaching, students are awarded permanent certification by the New Jersey State Department of Education.
Secondary education minors must choose a major in one of the following areas: Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, Foreign Languages, History, or Mathematics.
Education Core Requirements for Secondary Education: 23 Credits
- ED 253: Behavior Observation and the Assessment Process in Curriculum Development (3)
- ED 353: Language and Learning Across the Curriculum, K-12 (3)
- ED 359: Using Integrated Language to Improve Learning, K-12 (3)
- ED 400: Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition (for Foreign Language majors only; substitutes for ED 466)
- ED 461: School Organization and Curriculum Design (3)
- ED 465: Senior Practicum, K-12 (2)
- ED 466: Special Content Methods (1)
- ED 467: Student Teaching (6)
- ED 471: Student Teaching Seminar (2)
Allied Requirements for Secondary Education: 8 Credits
- PSY 241: Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3)
- PSY 251: Educational Psychology (3)
- PE 275: Lifestyling for Wellness (2)
All students in teacher education must adhere to the following requirements
Students formally apply for acceptance into the Education major or minor during second semester of their sophomore year. To qualify for acceptance into the department and 300 and 400 level courses, they must have the a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better (required by the State of New Jersey for Certification), grades of "C" or better in all their Education courses, and they must have completed any outstanding basic skills requirements prior to the end of their sophomore year. Furthermore, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 throughout program completion. Failure to do so will result in termination from the program at any point, and the State of New Jersey will not certify candidates with a cumulative grade point avarage of less than 2.75.
At the end of each year prospective teachers are assessed and counseled about their aptitude and attitude for teaching. Some students may be advised to reconsider their plans to teach.
Students must apply for acceptance into the teacher education program at the end of the sophomore year. After sophomore year, evaluation occurs throughout the teacher education program.
General Studies for students in teacher education shall be distributed among the cluster offerings. In their selection of General Studies, students must include courses in the arts, humanities, mathematics, sciences, technology, and social sciences. Careful advisement will assist students in designing the General Studies component of their academic program.
Students must have completed the approved teacher education program or major, their academic major, and field work component to qualify for student teaching.
Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and receive written clearance from their advisors at the time of registration in order to student teach.
Seniors must demonstrate continued competence, aptitude, motivation, and potential for outstanding success in teaching as indicated by assessments of student teaching performance by college and school supervisors, during practicum and student teaching.
Students must have completed all courses (including any outstanding incomplete grades) prior to student teaching.
The College recommends for teacher certification eligibility and employment only graduates who have fulfilled all requirements, are U.S. citizens or in the process of becoming U.S. citizens,passed the PRAXIS Series: Professional Assessment for Beginning Teachers, and who are approved by the Education Department.
Department majors and minors are encouraged to select another elective, Education 247, Teaching Mainstreamed Learners in Regular Education Classrooms, in addition to the requirements if Teacher of the Handicapped Certification is not pursued
Requirements of the provisional certificate and induction program
- The induction requirement affects all students enrolled in baccalaureate or post baccalaureate programs that lead to instructional certification.
- Exempted are students who (a) already possess a New Jersey Standard Certificate in any instructional field at the time they are recommended for additional instructional endorsements; or (b) are recommended for certification as Teacher of the Blind or Partially Sighted, Teacher of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, or Teacher of the Handicapped.
- The Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing will be issued to students who successfully complete their programs and are recommended by the College for certification. The Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing is valid for the lifetime of its holder. It authorizes the holder to seek and accept offers of employment in New Jersey schools. New Jersey has directed other states to accept the Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing as evidence of completion of an approved college teacher education program.
- The Provisional Certificate will be issued to students who receive and accept documented offers of employment from districts that comply with induction requirements. The Provisional Certificate is a temporary license, valid for one year. It authorizes the holder to serve as a salaried teacher and to perform all teaching duties within the endorsement field under the supervision of a District Support Team.
- The Standard Certificate will be issued to beginning teachers who serve for one year under the Provisional Certificate and who are recommended as "approved" by their school principal based on evaluations of the provisionally certified teacher's classroom performance, conducted by the principal and other certified evaluators.
- As per New Jersey State Department of Education regulations, United States citizenship, or documented intention to apply for it, is a condition for granting of any certification. However, with the approval of the department chairperson, a coherent sequence of courses in early childhood/elementary and secondary education is available for international students. While this coherent sequence of courses will not lead to certification, it will offer comprehensive studies in education and field experiences in schools.
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program, offered by the College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), is a 54-credit cohort-based program which requires a minimum of three years to complete. The program assists degree candidates in the examination of leadership issues in their broadest perspective. Within the structure of the cohort model and a problem-based approach to the curriculum, the individual needs of each student are addressed. The student's professional experience in school leadership is used as a focal point and a laboratory for study and research, reinforcing the reality that effective leadership is based on both theoretical knowledge and its practical application in authentic school settings.
Program Philosophy
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program is designed to prepare educational professionals for district leadership roles in Pre-K through 12th grade settings. The program prepares globally conscious servant leaders grounded in the deepening of human knowledge and the commitment to social justice and ethical practices. Although the curricula is designed to fully develop the knowledge and performance skills for effective school leadership, the program has as an organizing principle, integrated into all coursework and activities, the central values and beliefs necessary for the school district leader to be first and foremost amorally purposeful steward for the school community. Students who are accepted into the program are expected to participate with the professors and the cohort members in a process of personal and professional renewal focused on a continuous exploration of their values and beliefs and the effect these have, or will have, on their ability to provide servant leadership for their learning communities. They are expected to continually examine and renew their belief systems which form the motivation for their actions. Throughout the program the process of personal and professional renewal as a lifelong endeavor is regularly reinforced. The understanding of the value of multiple perspectives and the importance of team learning and collaboration for improved teaching and learning is continuously stressed. Students seeking admission into the program must be self-directed learners who are willing to function at the highest level in a collaborative environment as researchers, problem solvers, critical and creative thinkers, and project managers.
Program Goals
The program is grounded in the New Jersey Professional Standards for School Leaders (NJPSSL, Appendix A). Graduates meet New Jersey licensure requirements for certification as School Administrator (i.e. superintendent), and possess the knowledge, dispositions, and behaviors that enable them to:
- Commit to and act upon the principles of servant leadership
- Evaluate the role of servant leaders as stewards of both human and fiscal resources
- Demonstrate their role to prepare both themselves and the learning community to build a just society
- Identify, promote, and sustain high performing learning communities
- Analyze and articulate the individual and social purposes of education
- Apply research methodologies for systemic improvement of schools and school districts
Admission Requirements
Individuals applying for admission must present the documents listed below to a selection committee comprised of Department of Education faculty. This committee will assess the documentation based upon the New Jersey Professional Standards for School Leaders (NJPSSL):
- An M.A. in Educational Leadership or related field
- Evidence of leadership experience, including Certification as Principal and/or Supervisor
- A record of outstanding academic success in prior graduate work including official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate colleges/universities attended
- Writing ability, as evidenced by a professional or academic document or publication
- One letter of recommendation from a college/university professor attesting to candidate's ability to perform a high level of academic work in the program
- Two letters of recommendation attesting to professional competency (in addition to the one letter from a college/ university professor)
The final step in the admission process will be a successful interview with a faculty committee.
In addition, accepted candidates are required to complete a leadership self-assessment and meet the minimum Technology Standards for School Administrators (based upon a College selected assessment).
Program Guide and Cohort Calendars
M.A. in Educational Leadership
The M.A. in Educational Leadership program, offered by the College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), is a 39-credit cohort-based program offered over a two-year time frame. It is designed to offer students the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for successful employment in school leadership positions. Students' educational studies will assist them to provide leadership, demonstrate ethical values, and offer dedicated service to all students and teachers in their care. Upon successful completion of the program and a passing score on the SLLA Praxis, candidates will be eligible for a standard certificate as a supervisor and a certificate of eligibility as an assistant principal, director, and principal. Candidates for the principal's certification also must document at least three years of certificated teaching experience, as well as provide evidence that a fourth and fifth year will be completed during the course of studies.
Program Philosophy
The M.A. in Educational Leadership program offered by the College of Saint Elizabeth prepares education professionals to assume leadership roles in meeting the challenges in educational settings. The program is designed to prepare school leaders who have great vision, act in an ethical and moral manner, communicate effectively with all stakeholders in school settings and contribute effectively in promoting increased learning for all members of the educational community. At its essence, this program will produce leaders who will offer dedicated service to all students, teachers and parents in their care. Graduates are expected to emerge as empowered leaders who act with responsibility and accountability; this enhancement of their professional role should result in increased commitment and extraordinary practice. Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA in order to continue in the program.
Program Goals
The goals of the M.A. in Educational Leadership degree are to:
- Provide opportunities for candidates to acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for growth and development as school leaders based upon the NSPSSL/ISLLC standards.
- Provide future school leaders with the opportunities to demonstrate an understanding of how to develop a vision of purpose, use information to frame a problem, and exercise leadership processes to achieve common goals.
- Prepare candidates to function as ethically and socially responsible school leaders within a caring community of learning dedicated to teaching and learning excellence.
- Prepare school leaders who are humane, confident, and professionally involved.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit evidence indicating:
- possession of a standard teaching certificate
- evidence of three years of exemplary certified teaching experience
- writing sample
- two letters of recommendation from school(s) of employment
- evidence of academic accomplishment
- Successfully complete a personal interview.
Program Description
The M.A. in Educational Leadership program consists of 39 credits of required coursework that is aligned to national standards for educational leaders (ISLLC). The work includes an administrative internship experience and an action research project. Courses are specifically sequenced to maximize effective learning. The program follows a cohort model where students stay together and complete the entire program in two years. This program is offered off-site.
Course Sequence (39 credits) Program Guide
M.A. in Education
The College of Saint Elizabeth offers the Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, and Certification Programs approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education in Early Childhood (P-3), Elementary Education (K-5), Secondary Education (K-12), and Special Education (Teacher of Students with Disabilities). The Master's can also be earned by combining initial certification and endorsement certification.
Program Philosophy
The graduate degree program in education offered by the College of Saint Elizabeth prepares education professionals to assume leadership roles in meeting the challenges of educational settings that represent current cultural, social, technological, economic, learning and health factors, and global concerns. In this program, the teacher is viewed as the central professional to bring the needed human/social services to children and families in an integrative manner. Professional educators are prepared to effectuate alliances between school and community settings to meet the comprehensive needs of children and their families.
Graduates are expected to emerge as empowered leaders who act with responsibility and accountability; this enhancement of their professional role should result in increased commitment and extraordinary practice.
Program Goals
The goals of the program are to:
- provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skill necessary to address the diverse academic, cultural, social, technological, economic, and health needs of students in educational settings.
- provide the opportunity to acquire applied research skills, with an emphasis on technology.
- enable participants to become familiar with best practices in education as documented in the professional literature.
- prepare professional leaders who will serve in a variety of roles which bridge the school with community agencies, and to guide change in those settings.
- equip professional educators to utilize technology in educational settings.
- provide opportunities for teachers to advance in the profession to leadership roles in the schools.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- be certified professional educators.
- have completed a baccalaureate degree with a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- complete a personal written statement.
- submit two letters of recommendation.
- submit official transcripts of all colleges attended.
Program Description
The M.A. in Education program is a sequenced program (minimum of 38 credits) that allows students to choose from two areas:
- Special Education (39 credits) Program Guide
- Initial Certification (38-46 credits) Program Guide
Accelerated Certification for Teaching (A.C.T.1, A.C.T.2, A.C.T. 3)
The College of Saint Elizabeth believes in a strong liberal arts background for teachers, and in a developmental approach to teacher preparation.Accordingly, the College offers an accelerated program of teacher preparation,A.C.T.1, leading to certification as K-12 Secondary Teacher and K-5 Elementary Teacher for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree, but who have not yet pursued a program in teacher education. Upon completion of A.C.T. 1, students may elect to continue with studies in Special Education or Early Childhood to obtain an M.A. in Education. The College offers a second program,A.C.T.2, for certified teachers who wish to earn additional endorsement as Teacher of Students with Disabilities. A.C.T. 3, P-3 Early Childhood certification program, is offered as initial certification, as an additional endorsement for certified teachers, or as part of an M.A. in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood.
Admission Criteria for A.C.T. 1
An individual who is seeking K-12 certification must have earned a bachelor’s degree in the major area for which they are applying: e.g. teacher of English must have a B.A. in English, teacher of Biology must have a B.S.or B.A. in Biology. In addition, a passing score on the Praxis II Subject Assessment Tests and a minimum grade point average of 2.75 are required before admission. An individual who is seeking elementary teacher K-5 certification must have earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or pure sciences,or have successfully completed at least 60 liberal arts credits. In addition, the individual must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75 and have passed the Praxis Test in Elementary Education:Content Knowledge before admission.
Requirements for A.C.T. 1
Individuals enrolling in the A.C.T. 1 will enroll in the following sequence of courses for 22 credits which is designed to comply with the curricular and student teaching requirements for a New Jersey instructional certificate, K-12 Secondary Teacher of major area, and Elementary Teacher K-5:
- ED 510: Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition (3) (Requirement for K-12 world language certification only.)
- ED 601: Education and Human Services Settings (3)
- ED 603: Curriculum Theory and Practice (3)
- PSY 606: Early Childhood,Childhood and Adolescent Development and Behavior (3)
- ED 605: Reading and Language Arts:Theory and Practice (3)
- ED 607: Practicum (1) (Required semester before student teaching)
- ED 651: Math and Science:Curriculum and Instruction (3) – K-5 only
- ED 681*: Field Experience in Educational Technology (3) – K-12 only
- ED 608AC: Practice Teaching Seminar (1)
- ED 609AC: Practice Teaching (5)
A student must be in good academic standing with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better in order to apply for certification in all classes.
* Or other technology elective as stipulated by the Program Director
Admission Criteria for A.C.T. 2
Individuals seeking admission to A.C.T. 2 must be teachers who are currently certified or have completed A.C.T.1 to be eligible to enroll in A.C.T.2 for an additional certificate,Teacher of Students with Disabilities.Certified teachers applying for additional endorsement in Teacher of Students with Disabilities must submit a copy of their initial certification.
Requirements for A.C.T. 2
Individuals enrolling in the A.C.T. 2 will enroll in the following sequence of courses for 18 credits:
- ED 665*: Nature and Needs of Students with Educational Disabilities (3)
- ED 671*: Curriculum, Instruction and Special Materials for Students with Educational Disabilities (3)
- ED 675*: Community Agencies (3)
- ED 659*: Behavior Management of Students with Severe Special Needs (3)
- ED 620*: Technology in Special Education (3)
- PSY 619ˆ*: Psychological Issues in Human Services Leadership for Special Education (3)
- ED 677: Action Research in Special Education (3)
* May be applied to M.A. in Education emphasis in Special Education.
ˆ Course code is necessary for Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification.
Admission Criteria for A.C.T. 3
An individual who is seeking the P-3 Early Childhood certification must have earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or pure sciences, or have successfully completed at least 60 liberal arts credits. In addition, the individual must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75. The accelerated Certification for Teaching (ACT3) is offered as initial certification, as an additional endorsement for certified teachers, or as part of an M.A. in Education with emphasis in Early Childhood (ACT1/P-3). The NJ State Department of Education has initiated this certification area for all teachers in preschool settings. The College of St. Elizabeth provides a program on a graduate level that will produce well-trained and excellent teachers for the programs of New Jersey. The state of New Jersey requires a passing score of Praxis II Test 0022 – Early Childhood Content Knowledge. A Praxis preparation session will be offered as additional preparation for the Praxis beyond course work.
Requirements for A.C.T. 3
Individuals seeking initial certification in the A.C.T. 3 program will enroll in the following sequence of courses for 23 credits:
- ED 653*^: Emergent Literacy in Early Childhood Settings: Reading and Language Arts Curriculum (3)
- PSY 606*^: Early Childhood,Childhood and Adolescent Development and Behavior (3)
- ED 633*^: Family and Community Resources in Early Childhood (3)
- ED 654*^: Innovative School Methods and Program Design Including Early Childhood Settings (4)
- ED 612: Field Experience 1 (2)
- ED 613: Field Experience 2 (2)
- ED 608P3^: Practice Teaching Seminar (1)
- ED 609P3^: Practice Teaching (5)
* May be applied to M.A. in Education emphasis in Early Childhood.
^ Fulfills endorsement certificate requirements.
Certificate in Assistive Technology
Students can also earn a Certificate in Assistive Technology in Special Education.
Course Sequence: 18 credits
- ED 681: Field Experience in Educational Technology
- ED 620: Introduction to Assistive Technology
- ED 623: Assistive Technology for Reading and Writing
- ED 625: Assistive Technology for Individuals with Multiple Disabilities
- ED 627: Assistive Technology Assessment
- ED 629: Clinical Practice in Assistive Technology
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