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WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY TO OFFER INTRODUCTORY TEACHER EDUCATION COURSE AT COUNTY COLLEGES IN MORRIS AND SUSSEX William Paterson University is collaborating with community colleges in Morris and Sussex counties to offer William Paterson's introductory teacher education course beginning with the fall 2001 semester through the University Centers located on the community college campuses. Students interested in pursuing teacher certification in N-8 or K-12 subject areas can take the course, "Teaching as a Profession," as part of their associate's degree at the county college. Students who successfully complete an associate of arts or associate of science degree at County College of Morris or Sussex County Community College can transfer to William Paterson and immediately continue in the teacher certification program. "Students traditionally take 'Teaching as a Profession' during the sophomore year," says Leslie Agard-Jones, dean of William Paterson's College of Education. "By completing the course as part of their associate's degree program, the county college students can stay on schedule for completion of a bachelor's degree with teaching certification." Enrollment is limited to 25 students. The course examines the historical and philosophical foundations of education, including teaching methods, learning styles, legal issues, diversity and multicultural education, among other topics. Students also conduct observations in elementary, middle school and high school classrooms to assess their own abilities in relation to professional teaching standards. William Paterson requires a minimum 2.75 grade point average for enrollment in its teacher certification program, as well as 25 college-level credits, including general psychology. The teacher education course is part of a larger collaboration between the community colleges and William Paterson to offer select William Paterson baccalaureate degree programs on the county college campuses. William Paterson courses leading to the bachelor of arts degree in sociology/criminal justice and the bachelor of science degree in business/management are currently offered through direct classroom or interactive television/Web-based instruction at the community colleges. Students interested in an application for
the course can contact Ed Pisarchuk, coordinator of transfer
services, County College of Morris, 973-328-5238; Deborah McFadden,
director of the advisement center at Sussex County Community
College at 973-300-2347; or the Center for Continuing Education
and Distance Learning at William Paterson University, 973-720-3804.
Information is also available on the William Paterson University
Web site at www.wpunj.edu/uc.
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