Frequently Asked Questions
MAT Advising
What is the purpose of the Advising Checklist?
The checklist highlights requirements and milestones in your program. It provides you with planning and progress information. It provides the School of Education with information about your progress.
Why is there a minimum GPA requirement?
It is a Monmouth University requirement and State of New Jersey requirement.
What if my GPA falls below 3.0?
MAT students who fail to maintain GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and will be required to meet with the MAT program advisor to develop an academic plan to address the decline in GPA. Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA for 3 continuous semesters, accumulating nine credits of C+, C or C-, or accumulating six credits of F, three credits of F and three credits of B-, C+, C, C- will result in academic dismissal.
What will I be certified to teach? Which grade levels?
Four program tracks lead to certification: MAT P3/K5 Early Childhood (P3) and Elementary (K-5) MAT K5 Elementary Education MAT K5/5-8 Elementary Education (K5) with Middle School Specialization in English, Mathematics, Science or Social Studies MAT 9-12 Secondary Education with subject specialization in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, or Spanish
How long will it take to complete my program?
The average time for completion of the MAT program depends on the program track, additional coursework for content preparation or endorsements added to the initial certification.
What will my Field Experiences be like?
You will be assigned to diverse school districts for field placement experiences during your education program.
When can I do my Student Teaching?
Student Teaching is done after all coursework is completed and a passing Praxis II score(s) is on record with the university.
Can I student teach in my home town, or out of state?
The Office of Certification, Field Placements, and School Partnership Office places all students. Students can choose the New Jersey County that they would like to be in. All students are required to have placements in diverse settings.
Will substitute teaching or working as a paraprofessional count as field work hours?
No
What is a Teacher Work Sample?
A Teacher Work Sample is a unit of study, much like what you experienced as a student in elementary and secondary schools. Examples would be; simple machines or explorers. In addition to teaching content, you will learn how to think about how the students did and what changes you need to make in your teaching to increase student learning. In ED 510, you will be learning how to check out important information about students, their school, and community. You will later learn how to use this information to plan appropriate assessment and instruction.
What are Core Assessments?
Every student in the School of Education will complete 8 core assessments during the time that they are enrolled in a MU School of Education program. The assessments are generally completed as requirements in courses or during student teaching. Your professors and advisors will be telling you about the core assessments. If you are in multiple or dual programs, such as elementary, special education, and early childhood, you will have core assessments for each program.
What is an Electronic Portfolio?
You will upload your core program assessments onto your electronic portfolio. Foliotek is the company that provides the portfolio. For more information, email foliotek@monmouth.edu.
Are there student organizations and honor societies?
Yes, there are several: Kappa Delta Pi; International Reading Association; and the Council for Exceptional Children.
