Bachelor of Arts in Initial Teacher Licensure Preparation Programs

Program Overview

This four-year undergraduate program prepares students for initial teacher licensure in New Jersey, offering dual licensure in General Education and Special Education. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, students gain hands-on classroom experience from the first year onwards. The program features small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and partnerships with area schools for job placement assistance. Graduates are well-prepared to lead classrooms and make a positive impact on students' lives.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Initial Teacher Licensure Preparation Programs

Objectives:

• Prepare students to become effective educators capable of inspiring and shaping young minds.
• Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain an initial teacher license in New Jersey.
• Offer dual licensure in General Education and Special Education, enhancing marketability for graduates.

Program Description:

• Four-year undergraduate program leading to an initial teacher license in:
• Early Childhood (P–3) & Special Education
• Elementary (K–6) & Special Education
• Elementary (K–6) & Special Education with Middle School Endorsement (5–8)
• Secondary Education (K–12) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement
• Co-major options available in Mathematics, Biology, Art, and Psychology (for P–3 & K–6 only) to further expand knowledge and expertise.
• Strong emphasis on experiential learning, with students gaining hands-on classroom experience from the first year onwards.
• Access to Praxis test practice resources and EdTPA Assessment preparation support.

Outline:

Content:

• Educational psychology
• Curriculum and instruction
• Educational leadership
• Special education
• Subject-specific content knowledge (varies depending on co-major)

Structure:

• 120 total credit hours
• Small class sizes (average 15 students)
• On-campus format

Course Schedule:

• Coursework designed to meet New Jersey Department of Education's requirements for endorsement and certification.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Praxis CORE exam or SAT/ACT waiver
• EdTPA Assessment
• Coursework assessments (e.g., exams, assignments, projects)

Assessment Criteria:

• Performance-based assessments
• Subject-specific knowledge
• Planning, instruction, and assessment skills

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Experiential learning
• Personalized mentorship
• Cooperative host teachers during student teaching

Faculty:

• Attentive and expert faculty
• Strong interpersonal relationships with teaching faculty

Unique Approaches:

• The Felician Way: Focus on producing well-rounded and qualified educators.
• Small class sizes for enhanced interaction and critical thinking.
• Personal advisors for guidance and support.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Classroom teacher
• School administrator
• Education policy analyst or advocate
• Curriculum specialist or instructional designer
• Education consultant or trainer
• Education program manager or coordinator

Opportunities:

• Partnerships with area schools and administrators for job placement assistance.
• High demand for skilled and qualified teachers.

Outcomes:

• 100% pass rate on teacher licensure candidates upon graduation.
• Graduates are well-prepared to lead classrooms and make a positive impact on students' lives.