After completing 30 credit coursework sequence and state licensure requirements, this concentration allows you to teach the subject matter of your endorsement (subject areas: Art, Biological Science, Chemistry, English, Family and Consumer Science, French, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Social Studies, Spanish, and Theater) and only that subject at all grade levels. In practice, you will likely teach your subject in departmentalized grades 5 – 12.
Secondary Concentration Advisement Sheet
Psychological Foundations of Learning: 56:300:500 (3 credits)
This course examines child and adolescent development and focuses on developmental stages, learner motivation, student interests, creating a healthy learning climate, language development, and individual differences. (NJPST 1)
Exceptionalities: 56:300:501 (3 credits)
A survey of the neurological, sensory, orthopedic, communicative, and social disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, present in children and the impact of these on the psychological and academic development of the child. Students will also examine the effect of the disabilities on cognitive, mental, and social growth, the factors to be considered in assessment and rehabilitative developments, and strategies for professional collaboration to meet students’ needs. (NJPST 2)
Fundamentals of Education: 56:300:510 (3 credits)
An examination of the foundations of teaching and instruction based on the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers. The completion and documentation of the 50-hour clinical experience is a course requirement. (NJPST 1-11)
Reading and Writing in the Secondary Curriculum: 56:300:515
This course will focus on developing literacy practices across the curriculum for middle and high school grades. Emphasis on higher order comprehension skills, vocabulary development, and content area reading and writing. (NJPST 4, 7, 8)
Fall Courses Only: Clinical Practice application and requirements due to MAT office by February 1 to continue with coursework.
Clinical Practice I: 56:300:520 (2 credits)
This course consists of 175 hours in a fieldwork component and seminar. Students will put theory into practice by strengthening pedagogy through observation and active classroom participation. Clinical practice is supervised and observed by University staff and assigned cooperating teachers. (NJPST 1-11) (Pre-req Fundamentals of Education; 56:300:510)
Secondary Teaching Methods: 56:300:516 (4 credits)
This course will examine instructional strategies and methodologies for all disciplines taught in secondary schools and current educational trends and issues in relation to secondary school settings. It will strongly emphasize the role of assessment in the teaching and learning process, integrating literacy instruction across all content areas, academic achievement, lesson plan development, differentiated teaching strategies and assessments, family/school connections, learning environment, and classroom management. (NJPST 5, 6, 7, 8) (Co-req Clinical Practice I)
Contemporary Issues in Secondary Teaching: 56:300:517 (3 credits)
This course aims to foster critical inquiry about current educational issues at the secondary level. Students will examine issues, policies, challenges, and other influences that affect and shape the roles of the secondary school educator. Through reading, discussion and debate, reflection, and writing, students develop a thorough and nuanced understanding of these issues and their implications for their own schools and classrooms. (NJPST 3, 8). (Co-req Clinical Practice I)
Spring Courses Only: Clinical Practice application and requirements due to MAT office by February 1 to continue with coursework.
Clinical Practice II: 56:300:521 (3 credits)
This course consists of a full-time, semester-length student teaching experience in a school setting. Students will continue to refine their planning and teaching skills. Clinical practice is supervised and observed by University staff and assigned cooperating teachers. (NJPST 1-11)
Professional Responsibility: 56:300:522 (3 credits)
This course explores the role of a teacher and teacher leader both as a collaborator and role model in and outside the classroom. Students will investigate teacher professionalism and the organizational culture of schools with the aim that these understandings will prepare students to take a greater leadership role on issues that affect classroom practice and students’ learning. Students will also finalize their professional teaching portfolio, reflect on clinical experiences, and examine ways to further their students’ success. (NJPST 9,10,11) (Co-requisite Clinical Practice II – 56:300:521)
Secondary Teaching for Diverse Learners: 56:300:526 (3 credits)
This course is for secondary teacher candidates to implement practices and learning experiences for diverse learners, implementing a variety of research-based methods to create a classroom environment rich in learning activities that reflect each student’s language proficiency and learning style. Students will identify students’ learning needs and use that information for planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based interventions, and explore various influences, including cultural and linguistic backgrounds and exceptionalities. (NJPST 2, 6, 8). (Co-req Clinical Practice II).