Photo of students at Special Olympics

Master of Arts – Teaching, with Teaching Certification in Health and Physical Education (Preschool-Grade 12)

The Master of Arts in Teaching Program in Health and Physical Education is designed for students who have a baccalaureate degree and wish to obtain New Jersey initial certification in Health and Physical Education (P-12) and a master’s degree simultaneously. The MAT offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and the skills needed to effectively teach Physical Education in P-12 schools.

Montclair State University’s Teacher Education Program is one of the most highly-regarded teacher preparation programs in the country. It has been consistently recognized both nationally and regionally for its unique features, including its structure, partnerships and curricular emphases. The program is considered a model for other colleges and universities and has continuously been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954.

The Teacher Education Program’s professional course sequence and field experiences emphasize teaching for critical thinking and culturally responsive teaching. The professional component for both graduate students addresses four broad areas:

  • student development and learning,
  • the classroom and the school,
  • the curriculum, and
  • effective teaching skills

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships are designed to provide financial support and research opportunities for graduate students while they pursue their degree. Graduate Assistants aid one or more faculty mentors in their research or other assigned work and are expected to be highly available. All Graduate Assistants are required to provide 20 hours of service per week (September-June) including during academic breaks and attend weekly seminars. Graduate Assistants must be accepted into the degree program by the Graduate School, and be selected through the Graduate Assistant application process within the Department of Kinesiology. To initiate the departmental Graduate Assistant application process, click the link below. It is recommended that you become familiar with the research conducted within the department by contacting the department faculty and by reviewing the program website. To have the best chance of being selected as a Graduate Assistant it is suggested to have all application materials, including application to the graduate school, completed by March 15th for the following academic year.

Department of Kinesiology Graduate Assistant Application

For more information about the program please contact:

Dr. Melissa Alexander
Office: University Hall, Room 4113
Telephone: 973-655-4067
Email: alexanderm@montclair.edu