Dual Certification: MAT in Subject Area (P-12) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TSD) with focus on Inclusive iSTEM Education
Coordinator: Jennifer Goeke, PhD
Advisor: Susan Hagen
The Dual Certification MAT Program with a focus on Inclusive iSTEM Education (concentrations for Science and Mathematics teachers) is a cutting-edge teacher education program that prepares middle and secondary math and science teachers through three interconnected strands of teacher preparation:
- rigorous content area preparation in math or science
- evidence-based inclusive practices
- integrative STEM (iSTEM) education
Graduates of this program complete 48 credits to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), NJ Initial Teaching Certification in math or science, and NJ Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement.
To recruit, develop, retain, and amplify the impact of excellent inclusive STEM educators who can prepare all students for further education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, allow all students access to careers in these fields, and prepare all students for the opportunities of the future.
What is iSTEM?
Integrative STEM (iSTEM) is a standards-based metadiscipline in which all teachers, especially Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics teachers, use an integrated, inquiry-oriented approach to teaching and learning. iSTEM teaching and learning are grounded in authentic content and problems, using inquiry-based, peer-led, and problem-based learning to prevent STEM failure and promote STEM achievement. Ours is the only program in the nation that prepares iSTEM educators for inclusive settings – thus the name “Inclusive iSTEM.”
Why Dual Certification?
Today, students with and without disabilities are frequently taught together in the same classroom. The dual certification major strengthens the preparation of math and science teacher candidates to instruct all students – those with disabilities and without – who will be assigned to their classrooms. Traditionally, students with disabilities have had limited access to STEM education and careers. Recently, however, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and others have cited people with disabilities as an untapped source of personnel to fill STEM careers, advance innovation, and increase STEM competiveness in the United States.
- Focus on inquiry, innovation, and evidence-based best practices
- Traditional and non-traditional field experiences that are carefully supervised by highly qualified, fully supported mentor teachers;
- A combination of on-campus, field-based, and carefully designed hybrid/online coursework
- Ongoing, high-quality mentoring, induction, and professional development for both preservice and experienced teacher-mentors, collaboratively supported by the project partners
Who should apply?
The Dual Certification MAT admits candidates with a variety of qualifications, including individuals with real-world experience who have decided to leave their current technical-based careers and become teachers or recent college graduates with Bachelor’s degrees in science or math. Candidates with backgrounds in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, Earth Science and other related disciplines are eligible to apply.
In addition, applicants must have:
- A commitment to understanding the issues, challenges, and opportunities involved in inclusive teaching
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- GRE scores
- A completed application package, including the required letters of recommendation, essay, official transcripts of all prior college coursework, and a $60 application fee
This program is designed to prepare teachers for inclusive middle and secondary math and science classrooms who have knowledge and expertise to increase student achievement in the critical fields of science, technology, engineering and math, promote innovative educational reform through collaborative, integrative teaching practice, and provide a more skilled and diverse STEM workforce for the future.
We want to learn more about you! Please complete our brief online survey:
For more information and assistance with the application process, please access these helpful Downloadable Documents:
To access the online Graduate School application, click here: http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/prospective-students/application-requirements-and-deadlines/
**PLEASE NOTE: Applicants to this program should check the program box for Dual Certification MAT: Subject Area (P-12) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities.
Graduate Initial Teaching Certification Brochure