MAT in Elementary Education Certification (K-6)

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The MAT K-6 is a 15 month, 33-credit full time program which results in New Jersey Certification in Elementary Education K-6 as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree. The program can be pursued through the traditional or alternate route.  The traditional route requires a year-long residency starting in September, during which teacher candidates will be in area schools full time, three days a week in the fall, and four days a week in the spring. The alternate route requires that teacher candidates obtain a certificate of eligibility (CE) in the elementary education, and are then hired by a participating school as teacher of record in an elementary classroom. 

~Applicants to the MAT K-6 program must apply for a Substitute Teaching License immediately. A Substitute Teaching License will be needed for participation in clinical experiences. See http://www.wpunj.edu/coe/departments/field/substitute-license.html

+Clinical practice, whether through residency (traditional route) or teacher of record (alternate route) requires prior application through the Office of Field Experiences. Clinical experience applications must be submitted as soon as applicants are admitted into the program. Failure to submit an application for the clinical experiences will result in a delay in program completion. For additional information please contact the Office of Field Experiences 973-720-3132 or 973-720-2109.

View requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog
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Admission Requirements

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

  • A baccalaureate degree with either a major in a liberal arts or science or with a minimum of 60 credits of liberal arts.
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
  • Passing score on PRAXIS Core exam in reading, writing, and math
  • Passing score on PRAXIS II content exam in Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects, Test Series 5001
  • An Essay describing applicant's reason for wishing to complete the program
  • Resume to include names and contact information of two (2) references. 
  • College of Education DAP Group Interview
  • A course in developmental or child psychology.
  • Completion of physiology and hygiene requirement.
Exit Requirements
  • Maintain B (3.0) or better GPA.
  • Satisfactory completion of year-long residency for traditional route
  • Satisfactory completion of year-long residency as teacher of record, plus one additional year of teacher of record with mentorship for alternate route 
  • Complete and successfully upload an Elementary edTPA teacher candidate assessment (http://www.edtpa.com/).

*Applicants wishing to obtain an endorsement in Teacher of Students with Disabilities may apply six credits of the MAT K-6 coursework to the TSD Endorsement Program requirements. These credits can NOT be applied to the M.Ed. in Teacher of Students with Disabilities.

Application Deadline

April 30st: Summer semester
*International students are advised to apply by: December 1st Summer (May intake)

Matriculation:
Summer term
***Obtain Substitute Teaching License immediately when applying for this program.***

Requirements to be completed prior to Student Teaching:

  • Submission of Residency Application

  • Take a course in child or developmental psychology (may be satisfied by undergraduate coursework.)

  • Fulfill health/hygiene requirement 

  • Pass speech and hearing assessments

Contact Us

Professor Julie Rosenthal
Program Director, Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education
rosenthalj@wpunj.edu
973-720-3087