Elementary Education (K–6) & Teacher of Students with Disabilities
This program is designed for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree and want to qualify for their first instructional certificate. The program prepares candidates to provide instruction in all subjects in general, inclusive, and/or special education settings in kindergarten through Grade 6. It leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and eligibility for New Jersey certification in Elementary Education (K–6) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) endorsement.
- Completion of prerequisite courses; Behavioral/Social Sciences: child and adolescent development (3) and educational psychology (3);
- Completion of the 46-credit Elementary Education component;
- Passing score on the Praxis II test in Elementary Education (Multiple Subjects);
- Passing score on the GCU Physiology and Hygiene test;
- Evidence of satisfactory completion of a GCU-approved training program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB);
- Satisfactory ratings in clinical practice including recommendation for certification;
- Satisfactory rating on candidate’s Taskstream professional portfolio demonstrating how candidate meets New Jersey Professional Teaching Standards; and
- Passing score on edTPA, the New Jersey Department of Education-mandated performance assessment.
Maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and a 3.0 average in education courses is required to remain in the program.
M.A.T. in Elementary Education (K–6)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDC5038 | Psychology of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
| EDC5110 | Ethics & Foundations of Incl & SpEd | 3 |
| EDC5999 | Field Experience in Special Education 1 | 1 |
| EDC5115 | Instr Dsgn & Techn Intgr Incl ElEd | 3 |
| EDC5206 | Educational Assessment 1 | 3 |
| EDC5207 | Numeracy in Incl El & SpEd | 3 |
| EDC5208 | Sci & Tech in Incl ElEd & SpEd | 3 |
| EDC5210 | Instr in ELA & Lit I in Incl & SpEd | 3 |
| EDC5211 | Instr Lit II & Soc St in Incl El & SpEd | 3 |
| EDC5402 | Accom Mod & Asst Techn for SWD | 3 |
| EDC5403 | Evi-Based Prac for Inst Stdnts w/ Autism 2 | 3 |
| EDC6214 | Coll Plan w/ Family School & Comm ElEd 3 | 3 |
| EDC6404 | Elementary Education Clinical Practice 4 | 9 |
| EDC6405 | Refl Prac in ElEd & SpEd | 3 |
| Total Credits | 46 | |
| 1 | Requires 50 hours of clinical experience. |
| 2 | Requires clinical experience hours. |
| 3 | Requires 175 hours of clinical practice. |
| 4 | Requires 15 weeks of full-time clinical practice. |