Advanced Certification for Teaching – A.C.T. 1, A.C.T. 2

Saint Elizabeth University believes in a strong liberal arts background for teachers, and in a developmental approach to teacher preparation. Accordingly, the University offers an advanced program of teacher preparation, A.C.T. 1, leading to certification as K-12 Secondary Teacher or K-6 Elementary Teacher for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree or higher, 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 to obtain an M.A. in Education from the University. The University offers a second program, A.C.T. 2, for certified teachers who wish to earn additional endorsement as Teacher of Students with Disabilities.

Admission Criteria for A.C.T. 1

An individual who is seeking K-12 certification must have a major in the certification area for which they are applying: e.g. teacher of English must have a major in English; teacher of Biology must have a major in Biology. In addition, a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II Subject Assessment as well as the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Combined Test and a minimum grade point average of 3.00 are required before admission. An individual who is seeking elementary teacher K-6 certification must have earned a degree in liberal arts or sciences, or have successfully completed at least 60 liberal arts credits. In addition, the individual must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 and have passed the state-required Praxis exams 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 25 credits which is designed to comply with the curricular and clinical experience and practice requirements for a New Jersey instructional certificate, K-12 Secondary Teacher of major area, and Elementary Teacher K-6:

Required Courses

ED510Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition

3

ED601Education & Human Services Settings

3

ED603Curriculum Theory & Practice

3

ED605Reading & Language Arts: Theory & Practice

3

ED607Clinical Practice Seminar I

2

ED608Clinical Practice Seminar II

2

ED651Math & Science: Curriculum & Instruction

3

ED665Nature & Needs of Students with Educational Disabilities

3

ED681Field Experience in Educational Technology

3

PSY606Early Childhood, Childhood & Adolescent Development & Behavior

3

ED510 is required for World Language certification
ED607 is required before Clinical Practice semester
ED651 for K-6 only
ED681 for K-12 only

A student must be in good academic standing with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better in order to apply for certification in all classes.

Admissions 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 21 credits:

Required Courses

ED620Introduction to Assistive Technology

3

ED659Behavioral Management of Students with Severe Special Needs

3

ED665Nature & Needs of Students with Educational Disabilities

3

ED671Curriculum, Instruction & Special Materials

3

ED675Community Agencies

3

ED677Action Research in Special Education

3

PSY619Psychological Issues for Special Needs Population

3

ED620, ED659, ED665, ED671, ED675, ED677, PSY619 may be applied to M.A. in Education emphasis in Special Education.

PSY619 Course code is necessary for Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification.