Department of Teaching and Learning

The Department of Teaching and Learning is committed to preparing educators to work toward equity and justice in a range of education settings, and against the exploitation, exclusion, and marginalization of humans. We aim to do so by combining well-informed educational approaches and teaching strategies with critical examination of relevant sociopolitical contexts. Thus, we are committed to helping current and future teachers as they engage in well-informed ways of thinking about their worlds. 

Our hope is that this will enable them to make sense of, and take action in, complex social moments and settings. This includes respecting the perspectives and experiences of students, teachers and community members who may identify themselves in any variety of ways. In addition, we recognize that thoughtful educational praxis requires thinking and action at multiple levels: individual, communal, and systemic. 

We are dedicated to helping teachers as they make meaningful connections between classroom practice, theories and research, educational policy, and the sociopolitical contexts within which individuals and groups exist.

Our mission is to prepare professionals who possess the knowledge, skills and dispositions to transform early childhood, elementary, secondary, and life-long literacy education in the service of social justice, inclusivity and democratic values.

As a department, we strive collectively with our students to ensure that their teaching is grounded in the following ideals:

• Respect for the value and high expectations for the learning of every person is a fundamental principle of teaching and learning.
• All students must be engaged in meaningful and intellectually rigorous learning.
• Collaboration with families, schools and communities is imperative.
• Teaching and learning are social processes with political implications.
• Educators are cultural and political workers who acknowledge their role in a democracy through the promotion of inclusivity and social justice.
• Critical education is a transformative process that works to change “what is” while simultaneously preparing people to participate in “what is yet to be.”
• Educators have a responsibility to recognize and disrupt privilege and oppression related to race, gender, LGBTQ identities, disability, immigration and linguistic differences, religious diversity and class.
• Making positive social change requires taking initiative through collaborative and collegial engagement with other members of the school and local community.

Montclair State University is committed to the creation and development of teachers who strive to exemplify the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for excellence in teaching.

The best way to contact your advisor is via email. Please see the Faculty & Staff directory page for contact information. 

The department does not provide any childcare, tutoring, or other special services for children. Likewise, the department is not responsible for matching students within our academic programs with families and caregivers who require child-related services.

The department is located in University Hall, Suite 3160. The main desk is located in the front of the office suite in University Hall, Suite 3160. The department is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day during the regular academic year. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the summer.

Course Substitutions: In an effort not to impede a student’s progress when particular courses close, the department will often times locate course substitutions. Please contact your advisor to discuss course substitutions.

Please note that our university, including the Teacher Education Program, utilizes Handshake as the primary platform for connecting employers with students and graduates. We encourage you to post any current openings on our Handshake platform. 

This is the preferred resource for students and graduates seeking employment opportunities.