Program overview

Our full-time graduate program is a mentored nine-month program that provides candidates the opportunity to earn their initial teaching certification while working with students in classrooms throughout the academic year.

Rider also offers a part-time evening certification program.

Program highlights

The post-baccalaureate full-time residency teacher certification program transforms traditional teacher preparation by eliminating the gap between theory and practice. You immediately begin your classroom experiences. In this accelerated nine-month residency program, you will gain the teaching credentials and hands-on classroom experiences you need, while establishing the professional relationships and support network essential to success.

Highlights include:

  • Full immersion in a school and campus-based teacher certification program for nine months with the option of continuing on for your Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree (just two to three additional courses).
  • All graduate coursework is directly integrated onsite with your practical classroom experiences.
  • Members of Rider’s faculty are regularly present to infuse relevant theory into your practical experiences with children.
Learn More about the MAT program
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Program requirements

Not sure if you meet the GPA and academic requirements to apply? Submit your unofficial transcripts and we’ll help take the guesswork out of the process.

Frequently asked questions

Available programs

All programs lead to a teacher certification in the state of New Jersey.

If you choose to continue your teacher education, you may transfer all certification credits (21 -24 credits) from the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program to the 30-credit Master of Arts in Teaching program. 

*part-time option only

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Certificates and endorsements explained

Initial teaching certification is the first step while additional certifications, endorsements and degrees add qualifications to an existing license.

Tuition benefits for state employees

Rider University is proud to partner with The State of New Jersey and give back to educators by offering a tuition discount and additional benefits to eligible employees, as well as their immediate family members under the age of 24, for undergraduate or graduate study. Other partners include Lawrence Township Public Schools, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District and Ewing Public Schools.  

 

Contact

Kathleen Pierce, Ph.D.

Professor and Director, Master of Arts in Teaching and Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Programs

Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling

Bierenbaum Fisher Hall

kpierce [at] rider.edu

Academic Focus: Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education

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