Elementary Education (K–6) & Teacher of Students with Disabilities (with optional Middle School and ESL endorsements)

This program prepares candidates to provide instruction in all subjects in general, inclusive, and/or special education settings in kindergarten through Grade 6. Candidates must earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in a content major to be eligible for a New Jersey certification in Elementary Education (K–6) and a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) endorsement. 

Teacher candidates matriculated in the K-6 TOSD education program have the option of earning additional middle school endorsement(s) enabling them to become certified middle school teachers in the State of NJ:

• Language Arts/Literacy: (requires Praxis II Middle Level Language Arts/Literacy (Test Code 1106))
• Mathematics: (requires Praxis II Middle Level Mathematics (Test Code 5164))
• Science: (requires Praxis II Middle Level Science (Test Code 5442))
• Social Studies: (requires Praxis II Middle Level Social Studies (Test Code 1104))

Exit requirements for each endorsement include 15 credits in the subject area (see advisor for appropriate courses; Basic Skills courses do not count), passing score on required Praxis II Middle Level Test, and a grade or B or above in PS221 Child & Adolescent Development (or another course in Characteristics of Child and Early Adolescent Development).

Candidates may also earn an optional ESL endorsement by completing additional requirements.

To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.

Requirements include:

• Completion of prerequisite course; Child and Adolescent Development (3), and (MAT only) Educational Psychology (3);
• Completion of all BRIDGE General Education program requirements;
• Completion of a 30-credit major in biology, chemistry, English, history, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, natural sciences, psychology, or visual art;
• Completion of the 46-credit Professional Coursework in Elementary Education;
• Qualifying scores on a NJ Department of Education approved test of basic skills (PRAXIS CORE, ACT, SAT or GRE, or a combination of these);
• Passing score on the Praxis II exam in Elementary Education (Multiple Subjects);
• Passing scores on the three GCU exams: Physiology and Hygiene (P&H); Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB); Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (CARE);
• Satisfactory ratings in clinical practice, including recommendation for certification; and
• Maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to remain in the program (note: students with grade point averages between 2.75 and 2.99 may qualify to be in the Limited CEAS Pilot Program and should speak to their Advisor about this possibility).
• For requirements for optional Middle School Endorsement, see prior Introduction/Overview section.

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Praxis Tests Elementary Teacher candidates are required to pass the applicable Praxis II test prior to part-time clinical practice: Elementary Education Multiple Subjects. For fall clinical practice, passing scores must be submitted by July 15; for spring clinical practice, they must be submitted by December 15.

Additional Requirements for Optional ESL Endorsement

 In addition to completing the courses listed below, students must earn a passing score on oral (OPI) and written English proficiency (WPT) examinations by the end of the program.

These degree maps are meant to illustrate a typical sequence of courses. However, actual recommended sequences of non-education courses will vary based on the student's liberal arts major, so students should confer with their academic advisor when planning a course of study and before registering for courses.

Four-Year Elementary Education (No MAT)