MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
The EdD in Mathematics Pedagogy
Frequently Asked QuestionsHigh School/Undergraduate Students1. Do you want to become a teacher?The motives for becoming a teacher could form an infinite list. Some popular thoughts expressed by many are:
The State of New Jersey has over 25 institutions of higher education offering teacher education programs. Their locations are widely distributed throughout New Jersey and a full listing with contact information can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/njded/educators/license/guide.pdf (see Appendix C) 3. I have always enjoyed mathematics and am thinking of getting my degree in mathematics. What are my options for a career upon graduation? Students who major in mathematics have many options available to them ranging from classroom teaching (coupled with necessary educational courses), corporate work (pharmaceutical companies), to insurance actuarial employment. A listing of actual people who majored in mathematics and their job descriptions can be found at: www.ams.org/careers/ or www.coolmath.com/careers.htm What programs are offered at Montclair State University for teacher certification? Montclair State University offers a variety of programs for students at all academic levels. For those who are just entering college or those who already have an undergraduate degree, the following website gives a description of the programs available along with other valuable information: http://cehs.montclair.edu/academic/cop/teacher/faq.shtml 4. At Montclair State University, what scholarships are available to education majors? Montclair State University offers many scholarship opportunities to students who are entering the education profession. The following website gives a description of the many scholarship opportunities available to all students: http://www.montclair.edu/finaid/scholarships.html Additional information for scholarships available to education majors at Montclair State: http://cehs.montclair.edu/academic/cop/teacher/faq.shtml 5. Am I able to apply as a substitute teacher within the state of New Jersey before my degree is completed? School districts routinely consult lists of approved substitute teachers when the full-time classroom teacher must be absent. In New Jersey, the County Office of Education houses the information regarding the requirements and procedures to obtain this license. The following website gives the county contact information for interested students: http://www.state.nj.us/njded/educators/license/guide.pdf (see Appendix B) 6. What is the job market like for mathematics teachers in New Jersey? In New Jersey there is no formal statewide system advertising positions for public schools. However, there is an online recruitment system, NJHire, that is free to both teacher candidates and school districts. Candidates can search for jobs in the education field and post their resumes for viewing by school districts at http://www.njhire.com. 7. What is the Praxis and why do I have to take it? When do I take the Praxis II exam? Students must pass the appropriate Praxis II exam (if they are pursuing a NJDOE teaching certification that requires a Praxis II test) prior to the student teaching semester otherwise they will not be permitted to student teach, complete the teacher education program at MSU, and be certified by the state of NJ. Information from the state department of Education on which test to take, passing scores and test dates can be obtained by calling 609-292-2070 or visiting www.ets.org/praxis. 8. I have heard that the Mathematics Praxis tests are difficult to pass. How can I prepare to ensure I do well on the test? Students can visit www.ets.org/praxis and obtain both free and priced test preparations by subject matter. (located under tab labeled: prepare for a test) The Tests at a Glance materials are free and include sample questions and rationales for correct solutions, test taking tips and content outlines for each subject. ETS has also developed study guide books by subject that can be purchased at most bookstores or through this particular website. Students can also purchase Praxis ebooks that are available at this website and can be used immediately for review. Graduate/Returning Students1. I already have my undergraduate degree, but I want to receive teaching certification in mathematics. Where can I find information about Montclair State's teacher certification programs in mathematics?Any student with a baccalaureate degree may pursue an initial New Jersey teaching certificate at MSU and fully certified teachers may obtain additional teaching field endorsements or advanced certification at Montclair State. For additional information, see the website at http://cehs.montclair.edu/academic/cop/teacher/grad.shtml. 2. Where do I find information about the application process and deadlines? Candidates for admission to the Post Baccalaureate and M.A.T. programs must file an Application for Graduate/Post Baccalaureate Admission to the Graduate School, including all supporting materials, by February 15 to be considered for Summer/Fall admission or by September 15 for Spring admission. For more information regarding the required supporting materials, (GPA requirements, transcripts, letters of recommendations, and GRE and Praxis II scores) see the website at http://cehs.montclair.edu/academic/cop/teacher/grad.shtml. 3. What is the Praxis and why do I have to take it? When do I take the Praxis II exam? Students must pass the appropriate Praxis II exam (if they are pursuing a NJDOE teaching certification that requires a Praxis II test) prior to the student teaching semester otherwise they will not be permitted to student teach, complete the teacher education program at MSU, and be certified by the state of NJ. Information from the state department of Education on which test to take, passing scores and test dates can be obtained by calling 609-292-2070 or visiting www.ets.org/praxis. 4. When is the appropriate time to take the Praxis II exams? Students seeking a Master of Arts in Teaching or Initial Instructional Teaching Certification are required to take the appropriate Praxis II Subject Assessment Tests prior to being admitted into the Program. Students must pass the required Praxis II Subject Assessments test in order to be recommended for certification by MSU to the state of New Jersey. Information from the state department of Education on which test to take, passing scores, and test dates can be obtained by calling 609-292-2070 or visiting www.ets.org/praxis. 5. I have heard that the Mathematics Praxis tests are difficult to pass. How can I prepare to ensure I do well on the test? Students can visit www.ets.org/praxis and obtain both free and priced test preparations by subject matter. (located under tab labeled: prepare for a test) The Tests at a Glance materials are free and include sample questions and rationales for correct solutions, test taking tips and content outlines for each subject. ETS has also developed study guide books by subject that can be purchased at most bookstores or through this particular website. Students can also purchase Praxis ebooks that are available at this website and can be used immediately for review. 6. What is the job market like for mathematics teachers in New Jersey? In New Jersey there is no formal statewide system advertising positions for public schools. However, there is an online recruitment system, NJHire, that is free to both teacher candidates and school districts. Candidates can search for jobs in the education field and post their resumes for viewing by school districts at http://www.njhire.com. 7. What is the current salary for teachers in New Jersey? In New Jersey, teacher salaries are determined by each local school district. Candidates can obtain this information from the office of the superintendent of schools for each particular district. 8. Where can I find a list containing the addresses and phone numbers of the current school districts in New Jersey? This information is available online at http://www.state.nj.us/njded/directory or candidates can purchase a paper version of the directory by calling 609-984-0905. |