College for Education and Engaged Learning
Educate to Empower. Engage to Transform. Lead to Inspire.
At the College for Education and Engaged Learning, we do more than teach — we empower the next generation of teachers, educational leaders, and school psychologists to transform their communities. By blending nationally ranked academics with experiential learning, we prepare you to solve real-world challenges with compassion and expertise. Whether you are entering the classroom or advocating for social change, Montclair provides the tools to elevate your career and make a lasting impact.
What Sets Us Apart
Tackling the Teacher Shortage in NJ
We launched the first Teacher Certification Apprenticeship Program in the state of New Jersey backed by the U.S. Department of Labor, directly addressing the national teacher shortage by creating an earn-while-you-learn pathway for current paraprofessionals to become classroom leaders through our Alternate-Route Programs.
Online Master's Program
Our online master’s program in Educational Leadership was ranked No. 5 in the nation in the recent 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.
Nationally Accredited
We’re accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation, the gold standard in educator preparation programs.
Tools For a Lifetime
“Without the dedicated guidance of my professors, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today. Their passion for preparing future educators and showing empathy toward students, combined with their overall expertise in the field, has been invaluable.”
Andrew Bishop
It’s In Our DNA
Montclair State University was founded as the New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair in 1908 - a school devoted entirely to educating and preparing future teachers.
We’ve never lost our roots, and we graduate the highest number of teachers in New Jersey each year.
Want to see how you can be next? Visit our Become a Teacher or Advance Your Teaching Career in New Jersey page, which shows you all of the pathways and programs we offer to help realize your dream of making a difference in the classroom and beyond.
Where Change Happens
Through the CEEL Center Consortium, our network of centers serves as a one-stop shop for educational innovation and community impact. Each specialized center bridges academic theory, research and real-world practice to address the evolving needs of our partners, while empowering educators and community leaders to tackle complex challenges. The best part? The Consortium is here for all students; it’s a hub with all education-related services to support student success and transform the communities we serve.
Making an Impact Beyond Our Walls
Our philosophy of creating the next generation of educators doesn’t just apply to the students who choose to enroll at Montclair. We’re out in school districts across New Jersey creating initiatives and programming that’s creating positive change and inspiring future teachers.
In partnership with Paterson Public Schools, our Graduate Program in Gifted and Talented Education hosted a cohort of Paterson educators during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Led by Professor Pablo Tinio, this program prepares 20 educators in planning, developing, and administering gifted and talented programs as well as assessing the impact of such programs on students and schools.
At the School of Data Science and Information Technology High School in Newark, students participated in a paid fellowship focused on data literacy, civic engagement, and data storytelling. Students received $1,000 stipends in recognition of their labor and expertise, aligning with our commitment to inclusive excellence, ethical research practices, and holistic student success. Led by Assistant Professor Wendy Castillo, fellowship participants produced data stories that were presented at the American Educational Research Association conference in Los Angeles in April.
News and Announcements
“The support and the experience that I had at Montclair is unparalleled. The faculty at Montclair and the career services really set students up to be successful. They give students a real idea as to what the working world entails.”
Harold Abraham
Superintendent of Lebanon Township Schools
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
College for Education and Engaged Learning
The College for Education and Engaged Learning is dedicated to preparing aspiring teachers, administrators, and other education professionals for success.
- ceel@montclair.edu
- 973-655-2335
- University Hall, Suite 3132