Open Forum Questions
When and where should students apply to the teacher education program?
Please visit the general information for music educators provided below.
Can you explain the process for getting into the teacher education program?
Students apply the second semester of the sophomore year or first semester the junior year. The dual certification program (BMus/MAT degree and certification in Music P-12 and Special Education) is a spring application only. Therefore, students should apply for the second semester of their sophomore year. Overall, the application is like applying for a job position.
The standard application asks for basic information so the Center of Pedagogy can learn more about you such as your major, why you want to be an educator, etc. There is an essay portion (see the Portrait of a Teacher). Please spend time on this essay because it is a major factor in the application review process. Once applications are received, they are reviewed.Additionally, grades and test scores (ACT, SAT< or Praxis 1) scores are reviewed.
Afterward, the Center of Pedagogy sends Dr.Silverman a list of students, and interviews are scheduled. Dr.Silverman, Dr.DeLorenzo, and another faculty member from the Center of Pedagogy are present. The interview is a 20-30 minute friendly, intellectual discussion about music education. This is where you will showcase your commitment and passion for music education.
Finally, the applicants are reviewed again. Students are either accepted fully, provisionally accepted, or not accepted. In order to be in the teacher education program, you must be a good student (good grades, work ethic, etc), a competent musician, proactive to seek opportunities to work with children and gain experience, and are committed to the wonderful profession of teaching.
How can students determine if they are on track in regards to their course sequence (taking the appropriate classes when need be, applying to the teacher education program, etc.)
A tool that is imperative to achieving this goal is the suggested four-year course sequence. If you don’t already have this, please email Dr.Silverman and she will give it to you. In general, if you adhere to the sequence, you will be fine. This guide also tells you when you should apply to the teacher education program, get your sublicense, take the Praxis 2, etc.
Please note that all students (instrumentalists, vocalists, guitarists, pianists, jazz studies, classical studies) maintain different course requirements. Discussing with friends what classes you should take can only help so much. At the end of the day, you should speak with your advisor, Dr.Silverman.
For those of us applying to the education program in the spring, how should we be preparing?
Preparation comes with being organized and on top of your tasks such as grades and your application. For those applying to the teacher education program in the spring, ask a Cali faculty member to write your letter of recommendation NOW. Over winter break, they will not be checking their emails often. The faculty member who is writing your recommendation should know you well as a student and a human being.
It is advised to start the ‘Portrait of a Teacher’ as soon as possible. These statements are characteristics the Center of Pedagogy wants all students to possess upon graduation. Have a “pow wow” with your friends and think critically, reflect, and ask yourself “how do I embody this?” and “what does this mean to me as a music teacher?” These questions will also be used in the interview portion.
On top of grades, applicants must possess basic skills competency. They must have passing scores either on the SAT, ACT, or Praxis Core. If you need to retake one of these tests, take them as soon as possible. If you don’t pass the first time, there is a window in which you can prepare and take it again. Pass it now so you don’t have to worry about it later. If you do need help, the Center of Pedagogy has tutoring services for Praxis 1. Contact Ian Bouie to set up an appointment with a tutor.
What is required to teach music (applied lessons, etc.) at the collegiate level? Is it possible to go from teaching at a high school or middle school to teach at a college/university?
This answer depends on what you want to do in your career as a music educator. If you want to be a collegiate professor for Music Performance, you must be an exquisite professional performer. Additionally, you should also have a lot of performance experience. If you want to be a higher education director of a large ensemble or an advisor with performance opportunities, you will need a Ph.D. You should also be passionate about researching, writing, and being a scholar in addition to teaching. If you are struggling to find out what you want to do, please set up an appointment with Dr.Silverman.
Where should we get our sublicense from?
Once you’re in teacher education, the center of pedagogy sends you resources on how to get your sublicense. In their workshops, they also walk you through the ins and outs of the process. If you need additional information and the inside scoop, talk to someone who has gone through the process. This type of student is either in Classroom Methods 1 or in their clinical year.
This process includes getting fingerprinted and applying to a board of education to receive your license in that school district. This process can be as quick as three weeks, or as long as six months. Please complete this in a timely manner so you have your license by the time you need to do your fieldwork.
What are the important things to keep in mind when getting fingerprinted for a sublicense? In the teacher education presentation for the program, there was some confusion about what specific districts we should apply to and if this application carried over to other districts we wish to sub at.
Receiving a sublicense from a school district goes on a case-by-case basis. The Center of Pedagogy is in a network with public school districts. Those districts are where you will (likely) complete your fieldwork and clinical year. Therefore, it is highly recommended to get your sublicense from the recommended school districts. If you want to be a substitute teacher in a specific school district, you can most certainly get your sublicense there as well. There is no harm in earning some money ($100 a day) while gaining experience managing a classroom.
What are some recommendations for which Masters degree to get?
Where do you want to go career-wise? If you want to become a better educator, receive your masters in Music Education. If you want to still perform during your teaching career, get your masters in performance. If you want to be an administrator such as a supervisor or a principle, you have to get a masters degree in Educational Leadership.
When writing our resume, should we include all or only some of our music experience? How do we know what is relevant to include?
Your resume should be 1-2 pages. One page is ideal. Resumes with more than two pages are too long. If there is too much text, employers will not read it. Include items on your resume that are the most significant. For example, in regards to performance opportunities, including items that are audition-based to show off your skills. You can list the school ensemble you participate in. However, it is unnecessary to include every single concert you performed in. In all, less is more. If you want someone to read your resume, and give you feedback, Dr.Silverman is here to help you. Also, Career Services has resources and hosts resume writing workshops.
How can I prepare for job interviews?
The more assistance you receive in preparation is better. Make appointments with career services. They will help you navigate how to answer questions under pressure. You can also ask professors for advice on particular situations. They can offer insight on how to handle them and what they would do if they were in your position. Maybe they have been in your position before and can give you ideas on what to do.
The teacher education program also helps you with this. Over the course of your fieldwork, you will recognize what school districts look for in teachers, how to foster professional relationships with teachers and administrators, and improve your communication skills.
Are there any extra courses we should take to better prepare ourselves as a music educator?
Yes and no. For the sake of getting a job, you should make yourself as marketable as possible. Take opportunities the Cali school offers that other schools do not provide. For example, the West African Drumming Ensemble is a unique form of music-making other colleges do not have. Popular Music Techniques is a class that equips students with skills that applicants rarely possess.
Take courses that equip you to be the teacher you want to be. If you want to be a Band or Choir Director, take private conducting lessons.
Seize opportunities that will make you more well rounded. You can even join NAfME. They offer teaching resources, professional development, and allows you to network with other music teachers. Make meaningful connections with others.
Dr.Silverman highly recommends ALL students should pursue the Dual Certification program. More often than not, you will be teaching diverse learners. You’ll have a certification that other applicants will not have, and will help you be the best teacher you can be.
Is it possible for students who are pursuing the teacher ed program to receive the suggested curriculum guide before they apply?
YES, email Dr.Silverman! She will give it to you multiple times. This will make your life a lot easier and take out the guesswork regarding scheduling.
Dual Certification — what do you find rewarding when you teach diverse students and students with special needs?
The best teaching moments are with diverse learners and students with special needs. You remember the moments you develop positive relationships with your students and see them grow. They exceed all expectations of being a teacher. Dual Certification will allow you to reach all students and open up possibilities to be equipped to do so.
What did you get your Masters and Doctorate in?
Undergrad — English lit
Masters — flute performance
Doctorate — music performance
New York City Teaching Fellowship –English and music teacher — Masters in Education
Balance between Teacher education courses and music classes
The more you can stick to the course rotation, the better off you’ll be. If there is a reason you cannot do so, such as being a transfer student or a double major, talk to Dr. Silverman to navigate the situation carefully. You do not want to be in a position where you are stressed and cannot enjoy the college experience.
Things Music Education Majors SHOULD know
Music Education students need to seek advisement early and often.
Your faculty advisor in the John J. Cali School of Music is Dr. Marissa Silverman: silverman@montclair.edu
Your subject advisor in Teacher Education is Ian Bouie (in the Center of Pedagogy): bouiei@mail.montclair.edu
· Undergraduate students seeking teacher certification must apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program. This admissions process is separate from admission to the University or a major. Teacher Education Program Application Checklist and Instructions: https://www.montclair.edu/center-of-pedagogy/application/
The application deadline for Fall is September 15 and for Spring is February 1. If these dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday, you have until the following Monday to submit your application. Students are encouraged to apply for admission during the second semester of sophomore year or first semester of junior year. Applicants to the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s with Dual Certification program can apply in the spring semester only (February 1).
All students are required to successfully complete the Praxis I exams PRIOR to your application for admission to the Teacher Education Program.
Praxis I Exemption: See here if you are exempt from having to take Praxis I as part of your application to Teacher Education:
Getting Your Praxis Scores: Your official score report will be available online via your Praxis account on the score report release date. Online scores will be downloadable and available for one calendar year from the score reporting date. Be sure to make a copy of your score report on your computer as well as a hard copy for future reference. Even though you indicate Montclair State University as a recipient on the ETS form, you are still required to bring a hard copy to our office, UN1160.
· Music Education majors seeking certification need to take Praxis II (Content Knowledge: Music 5113) at least a YEAR before student teaching. The test is not difficult, but you will not, under ANY circumstances, be allowed to student teach without a passing score. People have gotten tripped up by this before – Get it done. The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) hosts “Praxis Practice” sessions to help you prepare.
FYI: SASE 451 (the class taken with Clinical 1, or SASE 450) typically meets Tuesdays from 11ish-2-ish off campus. You canNOT need any music classes that meet during that time during your Clinical 1 semester.
· Fieldwork application (CLINICAL I) for Spring is due October 1; Fieldwork application (CLINICAL I) for Fall is due March 1. Again, NO exceptions to these deadlines.
Welcome to MSU NAfME! 