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Urban Teacher Education Program (UTEP)  
         

 
 
 
 

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Program Requirements & Guidelines

 

 

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***Important Announcement*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

UTEP is in the midst of an exciting program redesign. In lieu of this redesign, beginning in the fall of 2009, we will no longer be accepting applications into the Elementary (k-5) program. We will graduate all of the current students in our program and begin to phase in the new program in the fall 2010. Although this sounds like a door is closing, the truth is that more doors are opening. Students who are majoring in one of the sciences; mathematics; English; or Social Studies (History, Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology, or Economics) will be eligible for K-12 certification in their content area. Besides Social Work, we are the only other program on campus where you can graduate with a degree and a professional career at the same time! Contact us to find out more!

Click on the links below to Download & Print: :

Program Requirements & Guidelines

UTEP Course Offerings - Fall & Spring

Elementary & Middle School Course Outline

Secondary Course Outline

Sample MAT Program Outline

MAT Requirements & Guidelines

Entry Requirements
Before applying to the Urban Teacher Education Program, you need to fulfill the following entry requirements:

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
  • Grades of B or better in:
    • 2 English Composition Courses (R-N: 101/102 or 103/104; NJIT: HUM 101/102 and/or HUM 211/212)
    • College Algebra, College Algebra Int., or Math for the Liberal Arts (Grade of “C” or better in Pre-calculus is acceptable)
    • 2 Laboratory Science Courses
    • Social Foundations of Education (21:300:292) pre-requisite to ALL UTEP courses!
    • Declare a major that will prepare you to teach a subject that is represented in the curriculum of New Jersey’s K-12 schools and that our program recommends for certification. (See our “Areas of Certification" page.)

During Social Foundation you apply to the UTEP, and register for the remaining Foundation Courses.  Applications, instructions, and deadlines are posted on the the UTEP Application Process page.

 

Program Guidelines

Seek Advisement

  • Staying current regarding your progress through the teacher education program is extremely important. Be sure that you seek advisement as you need it. We want to talk with you throughout your development as a new teacher. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Program Coordinator.

Stay in Communication:

Know the UTEP and University Policies & Procedures:

Foundations Courses

After admission to the UTEP, all students take the following foundation courses: 

  • Cognition, Teaching, and Learning 21:300:295 (3) pre-requisite to all Method courses (300 & up)
  • Teaching in Urban Schools 21:300:298 (3) pre-requisite to all Method courses (300 & up)
  • **The Urban Teacher Education Department requires one course studying a culture (other than your own) represented by the urban schoolchildren of New Jersey. Many different courses fulfill this requirement.  Please see the Program Coordinator if you have any questions. 

Methods Courses

You may not register for any of the Method courses until you have been formally accepted into the UTEP.  All Methods courses will require observation hours outside of class.  Hours and assignments are determined by the course instructors. 


  • Methods Courses for Secondary Certification:
    • Issues in Secondary Education 21:300:310 (3)
    • Information and Communication Technologies in Secondary Schools 21:300:410 (3)
    • Methods of Teaching Secondary School 21:300:386 (3)
    • Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Classrooms 21:300:388 (3)
  • PREPARE AND REGISTER FOR THE PRAXIS EXAM!
  • **Please Note: To be highly qualified to teach middle school in your subject area, you are required to take one additional course in Adolescent Psychology (300:296) and to pass the Praxis II exam for Elementary Education Content Knowledge (0014).

The Final Steps: Clinical Courses

You will schedule an appointment with the UTEP Program Coordinator before registration to obtain special permission numbers for each of the clinical courses.  The Program Coordinator will review your status in the program, discuss the appropriate Praxis test for certification, the mandatory TB test, and all other paperwork required for placement in the Newark Public Schools and preparation for Student Teaching. 

You Must Successfully Pass The Praxis Exam Before You Will Be Permitted To Student Teach!

    • One semester prior to student teaching you will register for either the Elementary (21:300:414) or Secondary Practicum (21:300:418)  
      • Practicum requires 50-60 hours in a NPS classroom.  You will be placed by the department with a Cooperating Mentor for this experience and you MUST attend the Orientation at the beginning of the semester. 

    Student Teaching and Seminar: Final Semester (21:300:487).  During Practicum, you will complete an Application for Student Teaching Packet.  Your completed file will be submitted to a committee for review.  If all of your requirements for UTEP have been met, you will be issued a special permission number to register for Student Teaching & Seminar.  You may NOT take any other courses while you are student teaching.  You will be placed by the department with a NPS Cooperating Teacher for your student teaching experience which is a full-time, intensive internship (6 - 12 credits/ MAT: 9 credits). 

    For more information about these courses, please see "The Final Steps" page.

    Exit Requirements

    • 2.8 GPA
    • grade of B or better in all courses within the Urban Teacher Education Program.