Coordinator: Dr. Jessica Bacon (P-3 and K-6); Dr. Jennifer Goeke (subject area)
Email: baconj@montclair.edu and goekej@montclair.edu
Office: Department of Teaching and Learning, University Hall, Room 3162
Phone: 973-655-5407
The Bachelor’s/MAT Combined Dual-Certification Program in Inclusive Education provides students with the opportunity to receive a Bachelor’s degree, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, and teacher certification in either early childhood education (preschool-grade 3), elementary education (kindergarten – grade 6), or subject-area concentration, and Teacher of Students with Disability (TSD) with an emphasis on inclusive settings.
Program Philosophy
Montclair State University’s Department of Teaching and Learning is committed to the development of inclusive educators whose work is guided by the following principles and practices:
- Differences between human beings are a natural and valued part of diversity
- Inclusive practices support and are highly responsive to this diversity
- Belonging and membership are emphasized in the classroom, school, home, community and society
- Professionals, families and students learn with and from one another within the school community
- Meaningful and individualized participation and achievement of all students is valued
- Inclusive education is part of a wider strategy to promote an inclusive society
Admission Requirements for the DD/DC Program
Applicants to the Early Childhood DD/DC program must be current Montclair State students at a sophomore or higher standing in the Family and Human Sciences BA Program.
Applicants to the Elementary Education DD/DC program must be current Montclair State students at a sophomore or higher standing. Many students select bachelor’s degrees in fields such as: Family Science and Human Development, English, Mathematics, Sociology, Anthropology, Justice Studies, Psychology, or other fields that align well to the deep understanding of the development of children, of subject areas that will be taught, or that increase understanding of societal issues of equity.
In selecting students for the Dual Degree/Dual Certification Inclusive Education Programs, faculty members use criteria that are related to the knowledge, skills and dispositions we expect graduate students to possess. In making decisions regarding acceptance, faculty members consider such criteria as GPA (minimum of 3.25 overall and 3.25 in major), passing the PRAXIS I or equivalent, subject area knowledge, commitment to teaching students with and without disabilities, honoring diversity, and written and oral communication skills. Given the highly selective nature of the programs, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Students admitted to the teacher education program must continue to meet all program requirements in order to move into the master’s degree phase of the program. Applications are accepted once each year on February 1st.