For a complete description of Teacher Preparation courses, please consult our program handbook. 

Courses

Introductory Practicum

The Practicum is scheduled individually for each student and consists of two site-based observations of teachers and two accompanying discussion sessions.  It is completed before beginning Program coursework.

Educational Psychology (PSY 307)

This course focuses on the fundamental principles of psychology relevant to educational theory and practice.  The course is taken during the junior or senior year.

Seminar on Learning and Teaching (TPP 301)

This is a full-credit course that includes a laboratory component and a school-based practicum designed with the objective of preparing students to step into the classroom and begin their practice teaching.  The seminar is taken in the fall or spring semester prior to practice teaching.

Seminar on Instructional Practice and Pedagogy (TPP 403)

The Seminar on Instructional Practice and Pedagogy (TPP 403) taken concurrently with TPP 404, Clinical Practice. The course is structured by four broad themes: The Learner and Learning, Content Knowledge and Pedagogy, Instructional Practice, and Professional Responsibilities. The four themes are developed with a focus on supporting special needs students, and major course assignments focus on the research and practice of meeting the needs of exceptional learners.

Clinical Practice (TPP 404)

Clinical Practice (TPP 404) is a 12-week, 175 hour assignment as a student teacher in a local middle or high school over the course of the semester, amounting to approximately 20 hours of clinical work per week. Students assume increasing control of instruction with the support of a cooperating teacher over the 12 week period, and the experience culminates with the student’s design and delivery of a small unit of instruction. A supervisor from the Program in Teacher Preparation regularly conducts observations and works in collaboration with the cooperating teacher to support the development of the student.

Seminar on Education: Theory and Practice (TPP 405)

TPP 405 Seminar on Education is a full-semester course taken in the afternoon/evening during the same semester as Practice Teaching (TPP 406). No other course can be taken in the same semester with TPP 405 and TPP 406.

Practice Teaching (TPP 406)

TPP 406 Practice Teaching offers the opportunity to apply theories and knowledge about teaching to classroom settings. It is a full-time teaching commitment working with a cooperating teacher in an area school for a full semester. When possible, Practice Teaching (TPP 406) placements occur in the same district as the TPP 404 placement. 

Teaching Certification Requirements:

For  certification, no grade below a B- can be received in Program classes.

The State of New Jersey requires that candidates for teacher certification fulfill General Education requirements, which are satisfied by Princeton University distribution requirements, except for the Fine Arts requirement, which may be satisfied by taking a course in creative writing, dance, film, music, visual arts and selected courses from the Department of Art and Archaeology.

Subject Area Certification

Eight courses in the area of certification (Art, English, Mathematics, Music, Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Psychology Endorsement), at least three of which must be 300-level courses or higher). Courses must be graded (i.e. not PDF). Two courses taken at another four-year accredited college may be included. If the grade for the course is below a C-, the course may not be counted toward the certificate.

Portfolio

A collection of artifacts and evidence gathered throughout the program along with written reflections to document the student’s progress, evaluated twice ( once before beginning TPP 406 and later at a second defense of the portfolio at the completion of TPP 406)

Test for Health Education

Administered through the Program for Teacher Preparation or satisfied by any college biology or AP Biology course.