Woodrow Wilson NJ Teaching Fellowship
About Montclair State University
Since its founding in 1908, Montclair State University has had a rich history of innovation, distinction, and growth. Montclair State, a vital educational force, is ranked as one of the top universities in the region. Graduates from Montclair State University are well equipped with the skills needed to respond to today’s dynamic environment, as well as future challenges and opportunities.
The College of Education and Human Services
With a more than 100-year tradition of excellence and educational leadership, the College of Education and Human Services offers several advantages for those pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree:
- Outstanding and innovative programs in the education and human services fields with nationally-recognized faculty and accreditation;
- Program faculty and staff dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our student population;
- Flexible study for both full-time students and working professionals, including weekend, accelerated, and Web-enhanced course options;
- Facilities that are on the cutting edge of learning and technology, including University Hall, the College’s home, and the largest and most sophisticated building in the University’s history.
The Center of Pedagogy
Montclair State University was the first university in the nation to create a formal structure in which faculty from arts and sciences, education and the public schools — what we call the Tripartite — are equally involved in the ongoing work of teacher education. Anyone who is involved in the education of educators is a member of the Center of Pedagogy. Policies and practices are established by collaborative groups with equal representation from all parts of the Tripartite.
The Center of Pedagogy coordinates all aspects of teacher education. Our work is informed by the belief that public education is critical to creating and sustaining a political and social democracy. We believe that schools, universities, and communities must engage in simultaneous and collaborative renewal in order to make our vision of education for social justice a reality.
Teacher Preparation at MSU
Working from the model of medical residencies, the Residency provides on-site graduate education, intensive classroom experiences with a master teacher, and three years of professional support in the schools where they teach. The MAT in Mathematics or Science will take twelve months to complete, including course work and community experiences during the summer. Those candidates who successfully complete each program will earn the MAT degree and teacher certification simultaneously. Based on research about successful programs, the Residency:
- Embeds Fellows from day one in schools, focusing their master’s degree coursework on classroom experiences.
- Provides on-site all the coursework needed for a twelve-month Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and state certification.
- Matches the Fellow with a highly qualified master teacher mentor.
- Provides intensive induction support, mentoring, and professional development through the first three years of teaching.
- Provides additional professional development support to the master teachers and school leaders to reinforce the school’s focus on learning and continuous improvement at all levels.
Schools/Districts Working With MSU
Montclair is working in partnership with two school districts:
- The Newark Public Schools
- The Orange Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools, Orange Public Schools, and Montclair State University are true partners in effective teacher preparation: sharing facilities, co-leading teaching experiences and coursework, as well as identifying and strengthening models of excellence. The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellows Residency is not just about supplying districts with new teachers—it recruits and prepares outstanding teachers with a passion for urban education, deep commitment and dedication to the Newark and Orange communities, and a relentless focus on high levels of student engagement and achievement.