What if I am interested only in the 22-credit NJ Teacher Certification Program and not the 36-credit M.A.T. degree?
You may take only the 22-credit certification program in your area of teaching. If you choose to pursue the M.A.T. degree in the future, the 22 credits earned through the certification program will apply toward the M.A.T. degree. What options exist to complete the state certification requirements? Students may choose from two field-based M.A.T models – the Practicum Model and Apprenticeship Model. Each is designed to enable a student to meet state eligibility requirements for teacher certification in elementary or secondary education. Students may complete eligibility requirements for certification with either program option without completing the M.A.T. degree. A. The Apprenticeship Teaching Model Students take four required courses for certification followed by two (2) field experiences in which they spend 30 hours each in school settings observing and exploring teaching strategies. Field experiences are followed by Apprenticeship Teaching (with an Apprenticeship Teaching Seminar), a
