Elementary Education (K-Grade 5) Certification Requirements
The Elementary Education certification program is 21 credit hours and consists of four initial courses, followed by a seminar and internship. The program is organized in a developmental sequence with initial courses providing a foundation for later courses.
GLTP-500: Conceptual Frameworks for Teaching and Learning (3 credits)
This course provides psychological and interdisciplinary perspectives on teaching and learning. Within the theme of optimal development of creative intelligence, students use these perspectives to guide their reflective professional development throughout their program. The course develops knowledge, skills, and dispositions pertinent to (a) child and adolescent development, (b) learning theories, (c) philosophical and historical perspectives on education, (d) sociocontextual and interdisciplinary influences on education, and (e) higher-order creative and critical thinking.
GLTP-502: Early Literacy (3 credits)
Current strategies for teaching beginning learners vocabulary, comprehension, composition, and language study. Pedagogy for all learners, ranging from gifted to diverse learners. How to manage literacy instruction through content areas in general education in preschool and primary grades. Prerequisite: GLTP-500.
GLTP-510: Curriculum and Teaching in the Elementary School: Mathematics (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the elementary curriculum and focuses on the teaching of mathematics that is developmentally appropriate for students from nursery to grade eight. In keeping with NAEYC and NCTM standards, emphasis is placed on planning for and implementing an integrated curriculum approach, discovery learning, hands-on experiences, use of technology, lesson planning, and traditional and non-traditional assessment strategies. Students will also explore positive models for classroom management and discipline. Field experiences will consist of classroom observations and teaching individuals and/or small groups of students. Prerequisite: GLTP-502.
GLTP-515: Curriculum and Teaching in the Elementary School: Science, Social Studies, and the Arts (3 credits)
This course focuses on methods and materials of instruction in science, social studies, and the arts that are developmentally appropriate for students in preschool through grade eight. Emphasis is placed on integrated curriculum, theme cycles, unit planning, hands-on learning experiences, discovery learning, and traditional/non-traditional assessment strategies. Field experience will consist of observation and analysis of a unit of study over time in at least one field site as well as continued teaching of lessons to individual and/or groups of children. Prerequisite: GLTP-502
GLTP-570: Seminar and Internship in Teaching (9 credits)
This course, designed for those seeking initial certification, requires full-time supervised daily participation in a school setting. The student gradually assumes a full load of teaching responsibility at the school. The experience will test the translation of educational theory into meaningful practice. A student-teaching fee is charged for this course.
Completion Requirements
- Completion of all courses before internship with a 3.0 grade point average.
- Completion of GLTP-570 with a C+ grade or better.
- Completion of a teaching portfolio.
Please see the Academic Catalogs for more information, including course descriptions.
Disclaimer: This information is taken from a recent published version of a Rider University academic catalog or manual, though not necessarily the most recent. Please be aware that, while the University makes reasonable efforts to keep website material current and correct, this information is subject to the University's academic policy committees, relevant accreditation organizations, and (in some instances) state and federal laws and regulations. For this and other reasons it may be subject to change at any time without notice and without being immediately reflected on the website.
