Prepare to become a teacher, teacher assistant or paraprofessional in the K-12 school setting. Program courses emphasize best practices, theory and diversity among populations of students.
College Catalog
Want more information about the courses you’ll need to complete this degree and what you will achieve with it?
Official 3+1 Program
This program is featured Rowan Connection. Find out how you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
How many credits would I need to graduate as an Education major at RCBC?
The associate of art degree at RCBC will require a minimum of 64 credit hours to be eligible for graduation. The associate of science degree will require a minimum of 66 credit hours to be eligible for graduation. Both degree programs will require learners to enroll in a combination of general education courses, designated program courses, field work, and electives.
What test/courses must I take prior to teaching?
To become a certified teacher in the state of NJ, a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required. Throughout your first four years of college, prospective teachers will need to take the appropriate amount of undergraduate work that consists of your general education requirements, designated program courses, electives, field work experience, and subject area courses. After the completion of the first two years (approximately 60 credits earned), prospective teachers will be required to successfully pass the Praxis I exam. The Praxis I exam will prove competency levels in basic skills (reading, writing, and mathematics). After graduating from the four year college or university, prospective teachers will be required to successfully pass the Praxis II exam. The Praxis II exam will prove competency levels in specific content knowledge areas depending on your chosen area of study (English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Communication etc.). Through the completion of the required course work, field work experience, and Praxis I and II exams prospective teachers will earn their teaching certificate, which will enable them to enter the field of education.
Do I major in Education or a specific subject area to become a teacher in NJ?
In the past, learners who had the goal of becoming a teacher would simply major in Education for the grade levels that they would like to teach (elementary, middle, or high school). However, only enrolling as an Education major is no longer an option. Recently, licensing requirements in the state of New Jersey have changed. In order to earn an Education degree, prospective teachers must now enroll in a subject area education program as well as a general education program. In essence, prospective teachers will be acquiring two consecutive degrees; a bachelor’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in the subject area of choice. Through this change in state licensing, graduates will now leave the four year college or university qualified to teach their chosen subject area at any level (k-12).
Are background checks required prior to me teaching?
Yes, all educators in the state of New Jersey will need to be fingerprinted and participate in a formal background check. Background checks are conducted through The Criminal History Review Unit (CHRU) division of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). In addition, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and all other school staff will be required to be fingerprinted and have a background check conducted by the CHRU division of the NJSP. The CHRU phone number for further information is (609) 292-0507.
How can an individual be accepted to the education program at RCBC?
RCBC has an open enrollment policy for new students. There is no separate application process for the Education Program. Simply declare education as your major when applying to the college.
Transfer students must hold a minimum of a 2.75 or higher grade point average (GPA) throughout the program to help assist with ease of transfer into this program.
The minimum requirement to be awarded a Standard Certificate to teach in New Jersey is a 2.75 GPA, a bachelor's degree, and successful completion of required course work and certification exams.
Is there someone on the RCBC campus who can help me with the transfer process.
Yes! Here at RCBC we are committed to helping make the transfer process as smooth as possible. All learners who have the desire to transfer to a four year institution are encouraged to visit our transfer center on the Mt. Laurel campus. Our RCBC transfer advising staff will work individually with current students to help them obtain information about various schools, majors, and transfer protocol. Together with the transfer advising staff, students will work to develop an appropriate academic plan for graduation from RCBC and subsequent transfer to the four year institution. You can read more about the transfer center at http://www.rcbc.edu/transfer or email or call the transfer center to make an appointment at transfer@rcbc.edu (856) 222-9311, ext. 2737.
Does RCBC have an Education club that I can join?
Yes, RCBC has an active Education club. Currently, the Education club meets once a week during the Fall and Spring terms. Club members partake in activities such as Read Across America, host guest speakers who speak on “hot topics” in education, and participate in community service events. For more information on the Education club please contact Erica Osmond at eosmond@rcbc.edu
Corvena Francis-Denton, Education Instruction and Program Coordinator has been a full-time faculty member since 2016. Mrs. Francis-Denton is the current advisor for the Education Club and teaches EDU 112, EDU 130, EDU 105 and PSYC 250. She currently teaches both distance and ground classes. She serves as the coordinator for the 3+1 program as well as the education program. She is a certified Wilson Language Reading instructor with a MS ED., Special/General Education 5-9, and BA., Psychology and Black Studies from the City University of New York and holds a Diploma in Teaching from Shortwood Teachers College, Kingston, Jamaica
Dr. Patricia A. Cerulli, Senior Adjunct Professor, was formerly K-12 public school teacher, and elementary school principal. Served as Rowan University Director of Beginning Teacher Induction Center and adjunct professor of Teaching as a Profession course. Previously Dean of Liberal Arts at Rowan College at Burlington County. Dr. Cerulli developed the initial curriculum for Teaching as a Profession course for RCBC and is currently instructor of Historical Foundations of American Education course.
Mrs. Sandy Furness, Senior Adjunct Professor has been at RCBC for six years and teaches both the Historical Foundations of American Education course, as well as the Teaching as a Profession course. Mrs. Furness’ background consists of developing and teaching a complete Management Training Curriculum for a Government Department; co-owning a company devoted to assisting businesses in the development and training of their staff; developing and teaching various training courses for adults, and she also has been a high school business teacher. Her degrees are in education and school administration.
Dr. Erica R. Osmond, Instructor & Coordinator for Education and Speech Communication, has been a full time faculty member for RCBC since 2008. Dr. Osmond developed the curriculum for the General Education course Public Speaking and teaches both the Public Speaking course, as well as the Effective Oral Communication course. She has experience teaching in both traditional and distance learning environments and was a past recipient of the Instructional Technology Council’s Award for Excellence in Learning. In addition, Dr. Osmond is the current advisor for the RCBC Education Club and serves as a Success Coach. Dr. Osmond has experience as a middle school teacher and earned degrees in Speech Communication, Corporate and Public Communication, and Higher Education & Adult Learning.
Dr. Brita A. Theadford, Senior Adjunct Professor, has served as a Elementary School teacher, Principal, Teacher Evaluator and District Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction for public schools in New Jersey. Served as a Lead Chairperson for the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Model Curriculum – Biology. Adjunct Professor for the Rowan University’s Mathematics and Science Partnership McSIIP grant. Dr. Theadford is Professional Development Trainer for Educational Information and Resource Center (EIRC) and is an Instructor of the Teaching as a Profession course.
Rowan College at Burlington County has an active Education Club open to any enrolled RCBC student. The club meets throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. Prospective teachers discuss current trends in education, host guest speakers, and partake in community service events sponsored by the college, and participate in Student Government. New club members are always welcome. If you would like to join the Education Club, or for more information on the Education Club, please contact the club advisor, Corvena Francis-Denton at cfrancis-denton@rcbc.edu.
