Program Overview
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program (PBTC) is designed for college graduates seeking initial teacher certification. The streamlined yet rigorous program of professional teacher preparation studies combines theory, research, field experience, and practice. The clinical experience (student teaching and seminar) at the end of the program requires full-time enrollment for one semester. Depending on the initial teaching certificate pursued, the program consists of 21 to 33 graduate credits and is designed as a part-time program that may be completed over three to four semesters.
Student Learning Outcomes
Each course and student learning outcomes across the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program are aligned to the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Learning Progressions for Teachers that include the following standards:
- InTASC Standard #1/Learner Development: The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
- InTASC Standard #2/Learning Differences: The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
- InTASC Standard #3/Learning Environments: The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
- InTASC Standard #4/Content Knowledge: The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s), he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
- InTASC Standard #5/Application of Content: The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
- InTASC Standard #6/Assessment: The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision-making.
- InTASC Standard #7/Planning for Instruction: The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
- InTASC Standard #8/Instructional Strategies: The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
- InTASC Standard #9/Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
- InTASC Standard #10/Leadership and Collaboration: The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
Teacher Certification Tracks
Graduate credits earned in the initial teacher certificate program may be applied to the 30-credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. In addition to earning the MAT degree, candidates may apply some coursework and credits to other Master's programs, endorsements, and/or professional development certificates offered through the Department of Graduate Education, Leadership, and Counseling in Rider University's School of Education and Human Services.
Comprehensive Business Certificate (K–12)
Early Childhood Certificate (P-3)
Elementary Certificate (K–6)
English as a Second Language/ESL Certificate (K-12)
English Certificate (K–12)
Mathematics Certificate (K–12)
Music Certificate (K-12)
Science Certificate in Biological Science, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physical Science, and/or Physics (K-12)
Social Studies Certificate (K–12)
Theater Certificate (K-12)
World Languages Certificate in French or Spanish (K–12)
Contact:
Kathleen M. Pierce, Ph.D.
Professor & Director of Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Programs
Bierenbaum Fisher Hall
609-895-5478
kpierce@rider.edu
Associated Department: Department of Graduate Education, Leadership, and Counseling