Teacher Education, BA

Program Goal/Mission

The mission of the teacher education program is to prepare novice teachers to be competent in both subject matter and pedagogical skills, as well as to be caring practitioners in diverse and technology-rich learning environments. Our novice teachers:

• Demonstrate a thorough competence in their content area including the ability to draw upon content knowledge when planning and implementing instruction.

• Understand and integrate appropriate planning, assessment, and instructional strategies in engaging ways.

• Recognize the diverse needs of the learner by establishing a positive supportive learning environment and utilizing varied teaching strategies that meet the needs of all learners.

• Demonstrate professional responsibility by engaging in self-reflective practices and collaboration.

Introduction

The Teacher Education Program prepares candidates to teach a wide range of subjects in grades P-12. Course work leading to early childhood certification, elementary teacher certification with middle grade specializations and subject specific teacher certifications through grade 12 in alignment with New Jersey Department of Education certification requirements are offered. Middle grade specializations include mathematics, science, language arts, world languages, and social studies. Subject specific certifications include art, biological science, chemistry, earth science, physical science, physics, mathematics, music, English, social studies, world languages, and health & physical education. The Teacher Education program is available as a certification-only path within a primary content-area liberal arts major, including an Enhanced Liberal Studies (LIBA) in Education, or as a post-baccalaureate second degree (as described later in this chapter). Though any liberal arts degree can accompany teacher certification, several degree majors offer pre-determined education concentrations as an option including:

• Biological Science

• Chemistry

• Environmental Studies

• Historical Studies

• Health & Physical Education

• Languages and Culture Studies - French & Spanish options

• Liberal Studies

• Literature

• Marine Science

• Mathematics

• Music

• Physics

• Political Science

• Psychology

• Visual Arts

The Teacher Education Program is a fieldwork-intensive program requiring candidates to spend 230 clinical hours in public schools prior to the Final Clinical Practice (student teaching) semester. Field experiences (including Final Clinical Practice) are coordinated and organized by the School of Education. Candidates are advised and given options with field placements specific to their chosen certification area. Though this is the case, all placements must be authorized by the School of Education and may not be conducted at a site that has not been authorized and approved by the School of Education. All final decisions regarding fieldwork placements are at the discretion of the School of Education.

The Teacher Education Program is accredited from 2021 to 2028 by the Council for Accreditation for Education Preparation (CAEP), an independent agency nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education(http://caepnet.org). Stockton’s teacher certification curricula have been approved by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and are recognized by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. As of 2022-2023, the program has transitioned to the state-approved accrediting body, the Association for Advancing Quality in Teacher Preparation (AAQEP).

Required Documentation for Fieldwork Placement

Criminal History Review

Prior to placement in the School of Education fieldwork, a student must successfully complete the NJDOE required Criminal History Review Process and have documentation of the review on file with the Stockton School of Education. A valid New Jersey Substitute Teacher Certificate is accepted as documentation of this process and may be required depending on the school district in which a student is placed.

TB (Mantoux) Test

Prior to placement, all students must submit documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test (Mantoux or PPD type) to the School of Education Office. This test must have been taken within the last two years.

 Advising/Precepting

The first step for all students seeking teacher certification at Stockton is to schedule an initial advising appointment to discuss the requirements, policies, and procedures of the program. Students should contact the Office of Academic Advising and request an appointment with an education-specific advisor. See the School of Education website for more information.

Transfer students with credits earned at another 2- or 4-year institution should seek guidance in advance of transferring to assist with degree pacing and program completion. A prospective student may, at any time, reach out to the Office of Academic Advising and the School of Education for initial assistance. This step is strongly encouraged for students interested in staying within a specific time frame. Of particular importance are prerequisite requirements and deadlines to enter the professional education courses of the Teacher Education Program.

 During the initial advising conversation, students receive information, guidance, and access to Degree Works which will assist in outlining a plan for their particular certification. A digital file will be started in the School of Education for each student who submits transcripts. Students will further be given access to the Teacher Education Program Overview and Entrance Requirements site on the learning management system, Blackboard.

 Education advisors referred to as “preceptors” are assigned once a teacher certification path is declared. Preceptors assist a student in choosing courses that meet certification requirements. In some cases, a student may have a preceptor for their major in addition to their Education preceptor (for degrees with Education Concentrations). Students should always meet with the assigned preceptor(s) to seek guidance in the completion of both their degree and of the education program.

Program Requirements

Teacher certification in New Jersey requires all candidates to complete a baccalaureate degree. The course work leading to teacher certification is composed of three groups of courses: 1) Content Requirements 2) Professional Requirements and 3) Professional Education Requirements. Students must earn a grade of C or higher for all Content and Professional Requirements courses and a B- or higher for all Prerequisite and Professional Education Requirements. For majors who have Education concentrations, course requirements will also fulfill other areas including cognates, at-some-distance, and General Studies attributes and/or courses.

Coursework and requirements listed in the next sections are subject to change. In the event program changes are made, requirements will be based on the time of entry to Stockton University. Candidates should check with their assigned Education preceptor, monitor email communications from the School of Education, and check Degree Works often to stay informed.

Content Requirements

Some certification areas have specific content requirements based on state licensure requirements in addition to the courses required in the Stockton B.A./B.S. degree. (See the School of Education website for more information.) Candidates should seek advice from their assigned preceptors in both their academic content major and in Education to optimize content course selections and ensure state requirements are met. Grades earned in content courses must be a C or better to count towards licensure. It is ultimately the responsibility of the candidate to ensure all requirements are met for certification.

Professional Requirements

These are required sets of courses that are a part of the teacher education program and fulfilled by taking (or transferring in approved versions of each) specific open-enrollment courses. Any course not listed but for which a student wishes to have considered for a required category below, must be reviewed and approved by the assigned preceptor or Education advisor. Grades earned must be a C or better. The Professional Requirement courses include the following categories and the recommended course to fulfill each requirement. See Degree Works for a full list of accepted courses within the Stockton curriculum.

• Diversity Course – GSS 3360 Schools of the Future, EDUC 1515 Diversity in Families, Schools, and Communities, or approved equivalent

• Disabilities Course – EDUC 2241 Inclusive Learning in Education or approved equivalent

• Developmental Psychology Course – EDUC 2231 Development of the Learner or approved equivalent

Students must also pass the brief, online New Jersey State Code Exam, administered at Stockton or through any county school superintendent’s office, as part of the professional requirements. Courses in nutrition, health, or biology can meet the state code requirement also.

Prerequisite Requirements

All students must meet a series of prerequisites before enrolling in Professional Education Requirements. Students should consult their Degree Works audit for a full listing. Prerequisites are self-paced utilizing School of Education provided tools. Students should consult our specialized Blackboard site titled the “Teacher Education Program Overview & Entrance Requirements”. All details are provided at this site including a pacing guide. Twice a semester, around the time of preceptorial advising per the Stockton academic calendar, a mandatory orientation meeting is held as one of the prerequisite requirements. This meeting offers insights into all prerequisites and an opportunity to ask questions. Time and dates of meeting are found within the Blackboard site or on the School of Education website.

Professional Education Requirements

Requirements are distributed over four semesters of university-based and field-based courses. These semesters are referred to as the Clinical Experience, Clinical Practice I, Clinical Practice II, and Final Clinical Practice (Student Teaching) Semesters. A student must be accepted for entry into the teacher education program by meeting all prerequisites found on the Degree Works audit and the Teacher Education Program Overview & Entrance Requirements Blackboard site to begin course work within Professional Education Requirements. These semesters may be entered as early as the sophomore year with guidance from an Education preceptor and/or the Office of Academic Advising.

Teacher Certification — Professional Education Requirements   

Teacher certification at Stockton follows the guidelines set forth by NJAC 6A:9¬10.4, the requirements for baccalaureate and graduate-level teacher preparation programs set forth by the New Jersey Department of Education. The curricula and requirements are designed to help students meet the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers (NJPST) and to prepare them to teach subject matter in accordance with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). To ensure candidates meet the NJPST, the teacher education program has aligned curricula including the evaluation of candidates during student teaching to Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teachers (2022 Edition), a New Jersey state-approved teacher evaluation tool. Program courses are further aligned to the national Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and AAQEP accreditation standards.

Students must meet specific entrance standards to begin the Clinical Experience Semester. Students must meet additional New Jersey certification requirements to be recommended for the Final Clinical Practice Semester.

The New Jersey Department of Education continually updates state licensure code that impacts requirements such as Praxis tests, teacher performance assessment, candidate GPA, clinical placement hours, and content-area course work. Students should check the School of Education website for the latest updates. Candidates enrolling in Clinical Experience semester as of Fall 2025 will fall under newly adopted code requirements. Students should speak with their Education preceptor for details.

 Program Entrance Requirements

• Matriculate into Stockton University

• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (or in the last completed undergraduate or graduate program)*

• Document basic skills competency in reading, writing and mathematics through one of the following methods: a university level 3-4 credit course aligned with the area of competency (math and reading/writing respectively) with a grade of B- or better or acceptable test scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test, in Reading, Writing and Math based on state guidelines for CE Programs. ** Students with specific scores on SAT and/or ACT may be exempted from one or more of the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test. See the FAQ webpage within the Teacher Education website.

*A student with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 and who has passed the Praxis II in their certification area may submit a waiver request to seek acceptance into the program. Waiver request emails are directed to the Program Chair of the teacher education program for consideration and are based on state guidelines on a cohort average requirement. Those students accepted on a waiver will be required to maintain a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 until which time a 3.0 or higher GPA is earned. A 3.0 GPA must be earned by the time of application to the Final Clinical Practice semester. Alternatively, a student may use the “Flex Rule” to qualify for entry with a high Praxis II score (10% above cut) with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0.

**Documented acceptable Praxis Core or equivalent scores (SAT/ACT) must be presented the semester prior to program entrance. To avoid a delay in program entry, students are advised to meet the basic skills competency in reading, writing, and mathematics as early as possible. Students must have an attempt on record by the completion of 32 credits of study.

Professional Education Requirements Course by Semester

Once accepted into the program, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to continue. In the case of a GPA waiver, students must maintain between a 2.75 and 3.0 GPA until which time a 3.0 GPA is earned.

 Students must take and pass Praxis II in their licensure area to advance beyond the Clinical Experience Semester. Passing Praxis II scores confirm a student’s competency in their licensure area aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) and readiness for direct clinical work in their licensure area within the P12 school setting. Planning is strongly encouraged to ensure passing scores are received in advance of established program deadlines. As a content-specific test, university courses taken in a student’s major and general studies offer the best preparation. Students should seek to build competency in their first and second years of higher education study (at Stockton or a community college if transferring) to prepare for this mandatory assessment.

Students may opt to utilize the GPA and Praxis Flexibility guidelines in alignment with the state of NJ “flex rule”. In this case students with a high cumulative GPA (3.5 or higher) and Praxis II scores within 5% of the cut OR have Praxis II scores 10% above the state determined cut score but a cumulative GPA between 3.0 and 2.75 may qualify for program completion. Students should consult the FAQ on the Teacher Education website for details.

Students falling below 3.0 GPA that do qualify for the GPA and Praxis Flexibility Requirements will be alerted to the potential impact this will have on certification including possible delay of program completion and must seek and qualify for a waiver to continue to the next semester.

Students may only register twice for a course in the Professional Education Requirements, including Final Clinical Practice. See Teacher Education Handbook for students wishing to appeal for additional attempts.

Courses follow a carefully prescribed sequence. Students are encouraged to consult the course catalog for prerequisites and co-requisites of courses listed below.

 In some cases, mandatory meetings or course-specific requirements are held between semesters. Students should check with their Education preceptor before booking vacations, study abroad, or other events that would require an extended absence from the university. This is particularly important during the final two semesters of the professional education sequence (Clinical Practice II and Final Clinical Practice). Failure to do so can result in a delay in course requirement completion, degree conferral, and graduation.

Clinical placements for each semester are arranged by the School of Education. Students should plan, in advance, to make travel to and from placements possible based on the P12 school setting calendar. In addition, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all course work required for the degree and certification sought is completed before the Final Clinical Practice semester. Failure to do so can delay teacher licensure and extend a student’s program.

In addition to academic requirements, students must meet professional/dispositional expectations of the program. Each semester, instructors monitor students’ non-academic performance using designated program-created instruments and assigned mentor teachers. In the case of low performance or reported non-academic issues by any party, actions are taken in accordance with program behavior expectations policy found in the Teacher Education Handbook. Actions may necessitate a gap in studies or additional actions before continuation in the program is permitted. (For details, see the Teacher Education Handbook at the School of Education website.)

 As part of studies within professional education courses, students are expected to maintain a Teacher Education program portfolio of signature assignments and other designed requirements. The portfolio is managed through Stockton learning management system, Blackboard, and by an external third-party web-based platform provider, Exxat. Students may contact the School of Education for details on the third-party product used and any fees incurred associated with this product.

 Clinical Experience Semester: All Certifications*

EDUC 3100  Part-time Clinical Experience in Education (2 credits-50 clinical hrs., designated urban setting)

EDUC 3105   Literacy Development (elementary & early childhood certification only) (4 credits, designated P12 setting- may also be taken w/CPI)

*Praxis II must be taken and passed during this semester based on School of Education established deadline to move forward into Clinical Practice II semester. (If seeking an expedited summer session, the deadline can be sooner. Consult School of Education for details.)

 Clinical Practice I Semester: Early Childhood Certification

EDUC 3101   Part-Time Clinical Practice in Education I (2 credits-80 P12 clinical hrs.)

EDUC 3200   Practices and Techniques of Teaching (4 credits)

EDUC 3151  Language and Motor Development (3 credits)

EDUC 3315 Positive Learning Environment (4 credits- may also be taken w/CPII)

Clinical Practice I Semester: Elementary Certification

EDUC 3101   Part-Time Clinical Practice in Education I (2 credits-80 P12 clinical hrs.)

EDUC 3200   Practices and Techniques of Teaching (4 credits)

EDUC 3315  Positive Learning Environment (4 credits- may also be taken w/CPII)

Clinical Practice I Semester: Secondary Certification

EDUC 3101   Part-Time Clinical Practice in Education I (2 credits-80 P12 clinical hrs.)

EDUC 3200   Practices and Techniques of Teaching (4 credits)

EDUC 3325 Positive Learning Environment (2 credits- may also be taken w/CPII)

Clinical Practice II Semester: Early Childhood Certification

EDUC 4612   Interdisciplinary Studies with Early Childhood Education (4 credits)

EDUC 4150   Methods of Teaching Early & Elementary School Math (4 credits)

EDUC 4151   Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in P-3 (3 credits)

EDUC 4600   Part-Time Clinical Practice in Education II (2 credits-100 P12 clinical hrs.)

Clinical Practice II Semester: Elementary Certification  

EDUC 4110   Methods of Teaching Elementary Reading and Language Arts (2 credits)

EDUC 4150   Methods of Teaching Early & Elementary School Math (4 credits)

EDUC 4600   Part-Time Clinical Practice in Education II (2 credits-100 P12 clinical hrs.)

EDUC 4610   Curriculum and Methods in Elementary Education (4 credits)

Clinical Practice II Semester: Secondary Certification    

EDUC 4120   Reading in the Content Area (2 credits)

EDUC 4600   Part-Time Clinical Practice in Education II (2 credits-100 P12 clinical hrs.)

EDUC 4640   Methods of Teaching Secondary/K12 (4 credits)

Final Clinical Practice Semester: All Certifications 

EDUC 4990   Full Time Final Clinical Practice (12 credits; full-time clinical placement in P12 setting)

EDUC 4994   Final Clinical Practice Capstone (4 credits)

*Note- All other coursework required for degree completion should be taken prior to this final internship.  

Praxis II and any other State of New Jersey required certification exams must be taken, passed, and filed with the School of Education prior to being placed in Clinical Practice I Semester. Elementary certification candidates who request a middle school placement for Clinical Practice II or Final Clinical Practice Semesters must also pass the Praxis II for the middle school specialization area by the established deadline for the Final Clinical Practice semester to remain in the middle school placement (Language Arts Literacy; Science; Math; Social Studies). Students should consult the School of Education website for established deadlines. Failure to meet the deadline can result in the delay of Clinical Practice and Final Clinical Practice semesters. For this reason, any student entering the professional education course sequence is encouraged to take the required Praxis test(s) as early as possible.

Per New Jersey Department of Education requirements, all candidates must also participate in training on recognition and prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) and child abuse prior to the Final Clinical Practice in accordance with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (P.L.2010, c.122 and P.L.2012, c.1and state code N.J.S.A. 18A:26-43. See the Teacher Education Blackboard site for details.

Per New Jersey Department of Education requirements, all candidates must take and pass a state-approved teacher performance assessment to qualify for program completion. The performance assessment requirement, referred to as the TPA, is completed during the Final Clinical Practice semester. See the Student Teaching Handbook for details.

Students must earn a B- or higher in each course in each semester of the Professional Education Requirements before advancing to the next semester. Students must complete the course work in the semester specified order, including any established pre- and co-requisites. Students must earn a B- or better in Final Clinical Practice, complete and earn required performance assessment scores on the program’s Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) and hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for certification. (See the Student Teacher Handbook for information regarding the evaluation of candidates during the Final Clinical Practice.)

 Behavior Expectations

Students are expected to act professionally as guided by the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers and the NEA Code of Ethics. This applies to behavior on campus (within and beyond courses) and while completing clinical observations as part of the Professional Education courses. When students are in a P-12 school setting, they are expected to also comply with the school’s code of behavior and rules. (See the Teacher Education Handbook for expected behaviors including the basic courtesies and standards of professional conduct within the university setting and in the P12 school setting.) If at any time concerns are raised regarding progress or professional disposition, the School of Education administration has the right to act, including additional or alternate evaluation procedures or to prescribe mandated remedial action. In some cases, it may be necessary to terminate a student from the Program. See guidelines within the Teacher Education Handbook for policy specifics.

Instructional Coaching

The Teacher Education Program may provide a support structure within the professional education course sequence for candidates that need additional courses or field‐based support. Instructional coaching is a 1‐4 credit course, EDUC 4700/4800, that can accompany any course within any of the clinical semesters (Clinical Experience, Clinical Practice I, Clinical Practice II and/or Final Clinical Practice). Candidates illustrating the need for academic and/or professional support beyond existing structures such as Stockton Cares and/or Stockton’s Learning Access, may be recommended and/or required by the Teacher Education Program to enroll in the prescribed number of credits for coaching. Candidates recommended for instructional coaching are reviewed by the Program Chair in collaboration with the School of Education administration and the Field Director (if linked to field‐based requirements). Cost of instructional coaching is incurred by the candidate and varies based on the level of coaching required.  

Delayed Beginning and/or Extended Absence From Program

Upon acceptance into the program, a student has up to one year to register for Clinical Experience Semester courses, following standard preceptorial advising procedures. There are many reasons why a student might delay beginning the Clinical Experience Semester or why a student might stop out of the program, once begun, for more than a semester. When either of these issues occur, the student may have to meet additional requirements to comply with the most recent policies and procedures for continuation in the program. These additional requirements may include assessments, other testing, field work/clinical experience or a combination of these as deemed necessary by the Program Chair.

Students With Disabilities

The School of Education is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all academically qualified students. A teacher candidate with a disability who seeks and is entitled to reasonable accommodations must notify the Learning Access Program at Stockton (https://www.stockton.edu/wellness-center/disability-services/index.html). This office will assist in verifying and coordinating any needed accommodations. Accommodations are put in place only when formally requested through Stockton University and are not retroactive.

Teacher candidates with disabilities should note that fieldwork and Final Clinical Practice (student teaching) experiences are field-based and therefore may necessitate consideration of accommodations other than those deemed appropriate for a typical university classroom setting. In such instances, accommodations will be considered reasonable and appropriate only when they can satisfactorily offset the disability and maintain appropriate supervision and adequate instruction of all P12 students affected the field experience.

 Final Clinical Practice (Student Teaching) Termination

Final clinical practice is a New Jersey Department of Education-regulated clinical requirement. As such, student teachers are subject to termination following specific guidelines that are available in the Student Teaching Handbook.

Tuition and Fees

The School of Education utilizes the web-based platform, Exxat, to track and manage several aspects of the Teacher Education Program. A one-time fee is charged to support onboarding, clinical placement logistics, and candidate performance associated with program and state requirements.

The tuition for the final two certification semesters includes a clinical practice fee that pays for the mentor teacher in the school, certification fees, and administrative costs. A separate fee must be paid for each additional endorsement. Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program are recommended for certification by the Dean of the School of Education.

License Intake

The certification officer will nominate eligible students for certification through the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) once degrees have been conferred and all program requirements have been met. At that time, the certification officer will issue a pre-application and, upon approval by the School of Education, will formally nominate students for certification.

This submission process involves multiple checks and balances within the School of Education, including a review of individual records for any holds on Stockton accounts, verification of transcript accuracy, preparation of documentation confirming completion of an approved training program, and entry of all required information into the State’s computerized system.

Candidates seeking additional certifications or endorsements may submit those requests either concurrently or within one year of completing student teaching at Stockton. After one year, candidates must apply directly through the NJDOE.

Receipt of the Certificate

Students may anticipate the Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) from the NJDOE to be issued within approximately one month of the submission.

New Jersey Certification

A candidate must pass content area exams mandated by the New Jersey Department of Education prior to the issuance of a state certificate. Successful completion of all requirements of the Stockton Education program entitles the student to a New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). The advanced standing status indicates that the certificate holder has completed a state-approved education program with student teaching. The holder of this certificate may apply for jobs in New Jersey or in states party to the Interstate Certification Agreement and the NASDTEC reciprocity agreements. There are currently approximately 47 states involved to some degree in certification reciprocity.

 After securing employment, the hiring school district will enroll you in the Provisional Teacher Process and issue a provisional certificate (valid for two years). During this time, 30 weeks of mentoring by a certified teacher in the district is required. To be eligible for a standard certificate (permanent), you must be evaluated based on the AchieveNJ instrument utilized in your district/school and receive two effective or highly effective final ratings within a three-year span. 

Because the New Jersey Department of Education makes changes in certification and teacher certification program requirements for colleges, the information contained in this section of the Bulletin is subject to significant change without prior notice. It is, therefore, essential that students with an interest in teacher certification at Stockton seek advice from a member of the Education program and through the School of Education website early in their college careers.

 Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education

Students who earn a bachelor’s degree at Stockton and earn 160 or more credits in the process of completing teacher certification are eligible to be granted a Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree at another institution prior to entering Stockton and earn a total of 128 or more credits on their Stockton transcript in the process of completing teacher certification are eligible to be granted a Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education. See a School of Education advisor for more details on the specific requirements for earning a second bachelor’s degree at Stockton.

Program Distinction

Teacher Education Program Distinction is achieved by earning a grade of A in all required professional requirement and professional education courses including: the disabilities course (EDUC 2241 or equivalent); the diversity course (GSS 3360 or equivalent); the Development of the Learner course (EDUC 2231 or equivalent PSYC courses); and all EDUC courses in the Clinical Experience, Clinical Practice I, Clinical Practice II, and Final Clinical Practice semesters. This includes the actual grades earned in any of these courses transferred from other institutions. Every grade must be an A. In addition, the overall GPA earned must be a 3.5 or higher.

 School Based Liberal Arts (LIBA) Degree Concentrations

 For specific curriculum details, go to the School of Education website under “TEDU PreK-Elementary.” See bottom of page for an information sheet on how to view curriculum options. Students transferring credits from other 2- and 4-year institutions are encouraged to contact the Office of Academic Advising to determine degree path and pacing in advance of starting coursework at the University.

All LIBA majors must complete the teacher education program to satisfy degree requirements. Students no longer seeking teacher certification or students unable to complete the degree, will need an alternate major and/or concentration.” See bottom of page for an information sheet on how to view curriculum options.

BA in Liberal Arts with Elementary Education Concentration (LIBA ELEM)

This degree is designed for students seeking K-6 elementary certification with optional middle school specialization(s) (7-8). Course work includes content knowledge aligned with the NJSLS, NJ K-8 curriculum, and state-mandated assessments including Praxis II Elementary. While all bachelor's degrees require a 2.0 cumulative GPA, the New Jersey Department of Education requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be certified. Degree requirements including total credits and grade requirements beyond GPA are as follows: 

• Program (10 courses)- 40 credits in math, science, social studies, and language arts literacy- grades of C or better*

• Cognates (6 courses)- 26 credits- grades of B- or better for certification and C or better for professional requirements

• General Studies (8 courses)- 32 credits- grades of C or better

• At Some Distance (8 courses)- 30 credits- grades of B- or better for certification and C or better for professional requirements

*Based on changes in state licensure, as of Fall 2025, candidates not yet in the professional education sequence will be accountable to additional pedagogy-specific coursework in mathematics & literacy. Students should consult with their assigned Education advisor for guidance. Degree works will have notations but may not always verify correctly. Work with advisors is critical to verify certification requirements are met. Failure to do so can cause a delay in degree completion and teacher licensure.  

Students in the LIBA ELEM concentration require at least 128 credit hours and must satisfy all LIBA program and Teacher Education program requirements. See sections within Teacher Education for complete requirements for teacher licensure. See LIBA section for information on additional requirements including attributes (A, V, H, I), writing (W1 & W2), race and racism (R1 & R2), and quantitative reasoning (Q1 & Q2) requirements. All professional education courses of the TEDU program require permission to register ensuring all necessary requirements are met in the proper sequence. Therefore, students can experience a delay in study if TEDU program requirements are not met. Therefore, students should consult an Education preceptor regularly for guidance.

Middle school specializations can be earned by taking at least 15 credits in a content area (language arts, social studies, mathematics, or science). Select general studies courses can count towards specializations. Students should seek guidance from the assigned EDUC preceptor on course selection to align with middle school specialization(s) if sought. To qualify for certification, a student must also meet state cut off score requirements for the Praxis II test required for the corresponding middle school specialization to qualify for certification.

Remaining cognate and At Some Distance (ASD) courses are the requirements of the TEDU program including professional requirements and professional education requirements. See TEDU program section for more information.

 BA in Liberal Arts with Language Arts and Social Studies Concentration (LIBA LASS)

This degree is designed for students seeking K-6 elementary certification with optional middle school specialization(s) (7-8). Course work includes content knowledge aligned with the NJSLS, NJ K-8 curriculum, and state-mandated assessments including Praxis II Elementary.  This program requires courses specific to students interested in language arts and social studies at the middle school level and interested in earning middle school specializations in one or both of these areas. (See School of Education website for specific details on degree.) While all bachelor’s degrees require a 2.0 cumulative GPA, the New Jersey Department of Education requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be certified. Degree requirements including total credits and grade requirements beyond GPA are as follows:

• Program (10 courses)- 40 credits in language arts (4 courses), social studies (4 courses), and 2 others (any content area)- grades of C or better*

• Cognates (6 courses)- 24 credits- grades of B- or better for certification and C or better for professional requirements

• General studies (8 courses)- 32 credits- grades of C or better

• At Some Distance (9 courses)- 31 credits- grades of B- or better for certification and C or better for professional requirements

*Based on changes in state licensure, as of Fall 2025, candidates not yet in the professional education sequence will be accountable to additional pedagogy-specific coursework in mathematics & literacy. Students should consult with their assigned Education advisor for guidance. Degree works will have notations but may not always verify correctly. Work with an advisor is critical to verify certification requirements are met. Failure to do so can cause a delay in degree completion and teacher licensure. 

Students in the LIBA LASS concentration requires at least 128 credit hours and must satisfy all LIBA program and Teacher Education program requirements. See sections within Teacher Education for complete requirements for teacher licensure. See LIBA section for information on additional requirements including attributes (A, V, H, I), writing (W1 & W2), race and racism (R1 & R2), and quantitative reasoning (Q1 & Q2) requirements. All professional education courses of the TEDU Program require permission to register ensuring all necessary requirements are met in the proper sequence. Students can experience a delay in study if TEDU Program requirements are not met. Therefore, students should consult an Education preceptor regularly for guidance.

Middle school specializations can be earned by taking at least 15 credits in a content area (language arts, social studies, mathematics, or science). Select general studies courses can count towards specializations. Students should seek guidance on course selection to align with middle school specialization(s) if sought. To qualify for certification, a student must also meet state cut off score requirements for the Praxis II test required for the corresponding middle school specialization to qualify for certification.

BA in Liberal Arts with Science, Math, Technology and Art Education (LIBA STMA)

This degree is designed for students seeking K-6 elementary certification with optional middle school specialization(s) (7-8). Course work includes content knowledge aligned with the NJSLS, NJ K-8 curriculum, and state-mandated assessments including Praxis II Elementary. Program courses are aligned with STEAM areas (math, science, technology, and art) for students with a specific interest in earning middle school specializations in mathematics and/or science as well as experience with K-8 STEAM/STEM related study. A student may also opt to earn additional minor(s) such as digital literacy and/or visual arts. (See School of Education website for specific details on degree and minor options.) While all bachelor’s degrees require a 2.0 cumulative GPA, the New Jersey Department of Education requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be certified. Degree requirements including total credits and grade requirements beyond GPA are as follows:

• Program (11 courses)- (44-47 credits in core areas including science, math, technology, and art- grades of C or better)*

• Cognates (4 courses)- (22 credits- grades of B- or better for certification and C or better for professional requirements)

• General studies (8 courses)- (32 credits- grades of C or better)

• At Some Distance (12 courses)- (33 credits- grades of B- or better for certification and C or better for professional requirements)

*Based on changes in state licensure, as of Fall 2025, candidates not yet in the professional education sequence will be accountable to additional pedagogy-specific coursework in mathematics & literacy. Students should consult with their assigned Education advisor for guidance. Degree works will have notations but may not always verify correctly. Work with an advisor is critical to verify certification requirements are met. Failure to do so can cause a delay in degree completion and teacher licensure. 

Students in the LIBA STMA concentration requires about 131-134 credit hours and must satisfy all LIBA program and Teacher Education program requirements. See sections within Teacher Education for complete requirements for teacher licensure. See LIBA section for information on additional requirements including attributes (A, V, H, I), writing (W1 & W2), race and racism (R1 & R2), and quantitative reasoning (Q1 & Q2) requirements. All professional education courses of the TEDU program require permission to register ensuring all necessary requirements are met in the proper sequence. Students can experience a delay in study if TEDU program requirements are not met. Therefore, students should consult an Education preceptor regularly for guidance.

Middle school specializations can be earned by taking at least 15 credits in a content area (humanities, language arts, STEM, social studies, mathematics, or science). General studies courses can count towards specializations. Students should seek guidance on course selection to align with middle school specialization(s) if sought. To qualify for certification, a student must also meet state cut off score requirements for the Praxis II test required for the corresponding middle school specialization to qualify for certification.

BA in Liberal Arts with Early Childhood Education Concentration (LIBA ECED)

This degree is designed for students seeking P-3 certification. Course work includes content knowledge aligned with NJSLS, NJ P-3 curriculum, and state-mandated assessments including Praxis II. (See School of Education website for specific details on degree.) While all bachelor’s degrees require a 2.0 cumulative GPA, the New Jersey Department of Education requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be certified. Degree requirements including total credits and grade requirements beyond GPA are as follows:

• Program 10 courses- (40 credits including education, social sciences, health, and content courses in math, science, and language arts- grades of C or better)*

• Cognates 7 courses- (30 credits- grades of B- or better)

• General Studies 8 courses- (32 credits- grades of C or better)

• At Some Distance 9courses- (27 credits- grades of B- or better)

*Based on changes in state licensure, as of Fall 2025, candidates not yet in the professional education sequence will be accountable to additional pedagogy-specific coursework in mathematics & literacy. Students should consult with their assigned Education advisor for guidance. Degree works will have notations but may not always verify correctly. Work with an advisor is critical to verify certification requirements are met. Failure to do so can cause a delay in degree completion and teacher licensure. 

 Students in the LIBA ECED concentration requires at least 128 credit hours and must satisfy all LIBA program and Teacher Education program requirements. See sections within Teacher Education for complete requirements for teacher licensure. See LIBA section for information on additional requirements including attributes (A, V, H, I), writing (W1 & W2), race and racism (R1 & R2), and quantitative reasoning (Q1 & Q2) requirements. All professional education courses of the TEDU program require permits to register ensuring all necessary requirements are met in the proper sequence. Students can experience a delay in study if TEDU program requirements are not met.  Therefore, students should consult an Education preceptor regularly for guidance.

 Provisional Teacher Training Program: The Alternate Route

In conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Education, Stockton offers the provisional teacher training program (alternate route to certification) at the graduate level. Students interested in the alternate route may contact the School of Education office at Stockton (soe@stockton.edu) or their county office of the Department of Education for specific requirements. The requirements are also accessible on the School of Education website.

Accreditation

All School of Education teacher education programs are aligned with New Jersey’s Professional Standards for Teachers. Stockton’s teacher certification curricula have been approved by the New Jersey Department of Education and are recognized by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. As of 2022, national accreditation status is established through the Advancing Quality in Teacher Preparation (AAQEP) accrediting body. 

Curriculum information for undergraduate areas of study in the School of Education, including the Alternate Route, is accessible on the School of Education website.