Montclair State University PhD in Teacher Education and Teacher Development

The education of young people for active participation in a democratic, diverse, and information-based society depends on the knowledge, skills, and commitment of practicing teachers. There is an increasingly urgent need for well-qualified teachers across the United States and especially in high-poverty urban school districts. Attending to the initial preparation and ongoing professional developme

nt of teachers is therefore fundamental to the well being of society. In keeping with this priority, the PhD in Teacher Education and Teacher Development aims to develop scholars and practitioners who will assume positions as teacher educators, defined broadly to include: (a) professors in schools and colleges of education, community colleges, and adult education programs responsible for preparing the future generation of teachers; (b) educational leaders in schools and school districts involved in mentoring student teachers, and in designing and implementing induction programs for novice teachers as well as professional development opportunities for all teachers; and (c) leaders in state departments of education and other agencies helping to establish policy and design programs to improve the quality of the teaching force. Drawing on the recognized excellence of MSU's undergraduate and master's level teacher education programs, including a strong connection to public schools, the program offers students the opportunity to engage in advanced study of how teachers learn to teach in multicultural contexts and how they develop throughout their careers.