Program in Teacher Preparation

The Program in Teacher Preparation at Princeton is an interdepartmental course of study composed of a unique mix of coursework, seminars, fieldwork, and practice teaching. It allows undergraduates to explore teaching as a career option and become fully prepared and certified to teach successfully at the elementary or secondary level within the regular framework of an A.B. or B.S.E. degree. Participants can earn certification in art, English, social studies, mathematics, sciences, world languages, music, and elementary education. It is helpful to choose a major related to a teaching field (for example, English or math), although with careful choice of elective courses, it is possible to be certified in one field while concentrating in another (for example, certification in social studies while majoring in religion or studying in the Woodrow Wilson School).

Formal application to the program is usually made during the freshman or sophomore year. Once a student has applied and been admitted to the program, there will be an individual or small-group orientation session followed by a six-hour guided field experience in a school and a follow-up seminar that will lay the foundation for the work that will be done during the coming semesters. In addition, there will be a special convocation in early November for all students enrolled in the teacher preparation program. All students enrolled in the program will receive an invitation to attend that event.

The certificate that students earn upon completion of the entire program is a legal document granted by the State of New Jersey for teaching in public schools. That certificate is valid in most other states through reciprocity agreements. Independent schools, as a rule, do not require certification in order to secure a teaching position. However, independent school heads have become increasingly interested in teacher candidates who are fully prepared and certified within a liberal arts curriculum.

An option to complete the Practice Teaching and the Seminar on Education during an extra semester at Princeton is possible for students who find it difficult to schedule practice teaching in their senior year. The Program in Teacher Preparation also provides a teacher placement service for undergraduates and alumni.

Any sophomore who is thinking about teaching after graduation from Princeton is encouraged to visit the Teacher Preparation Office at 41 William Street, (609) 258-3336, to confer with a staff member and obtain complete information about course offerings and requirements.