The program is not only for earning certification, but to truly learn what it means to be a teacher.
Our Emphasis
The program encompasses liberal studies in education as well as studies and experiences designed to develop teaching effectiveness and professional leadership. The teaching certification program emphasizes developing students’ ability to relate knowledge and theory to skillful teaching in the interest of promoting greater social justice and environmental sustainability.
The Teacher Preparation Program (TPP)
51³Ô¹ÏÍø students have the ability to obtain a New York State Department of Education teacher certification at the University. Undergraduates can complete the program in either eight or nine semesters. The ninth semester is the student teaching semester and is tuition free. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø also offers graduate degrees with certification.
To enter the teaching certification program as a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø undergraduate, students first consult with the Director of Teacher Preparation and acquire an application form. Once the application is successfully reviewed, the teacher candidate can start the steps necessary to obtain a New York State Department of Education teacher certification.
The program offers teaching certification programs in the following areas (click on the photos for more information):
Student Teaching
Acceptance into the teaching certification program means candidates are tentatively approved for student teaching, but does not guarantee final acceptance. Acceptance is contingent on faculty agreement of competence, feedback from community partners during practicum and observation experiences, as well as GPA. The program makes every effort to place students in a location that will prepare them most closely with their future employment goals.
More Information
Candidates for teacher certification in New York State must pass competency examinations prepared by the state education department.
Certification is available to U.S. citizens and to non-citizens who have completed a letter of intent to become a U.S. citizen.
Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
The Masters of Arts in Teaching at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The Teacher Preparation Program at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø has received accreditation of its educator preparation programs under the AAQEP standards with a successful Quality Assurance Review in spring 2022.
