Teaching Certification Program

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 and 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)- Program Completion for Undergraduates

�Ա��Ƶ students can obtain New York State Department of Education teacher certification through �Ա��Ƶ in addition to their undergraduate degree. Undergraduates may complete the program in eight or nine semesters. The nine-semester pathway allows students to fulfill the student-teaching requirement after graduation, and this additional semester is tuition-free.

Students interested in entering the certification program should first consult with the Director of Teacher Preparation at any point during their time at �Ա��Ƶ to discuss individualized pathways and requirements. After submitting their application and required materials—and once these have been approved—the student will begin the steps necessary to obtain New York State teacher certification.

(Student teaching post-graduation)

The program offers teaching certification programs in the following areas:

Student Teaching

Student teaching in local schools is a supervised, hands-on learning experience where prospective teachers work directly with K–12 students under the guidance of a certified classroom teacher during a fall semester. During this placement, TPP students gradually take on responsibilities such as planning lessons, delivering instruction, assessing student learning, and managing a classroom. This immersive experience is invaluable because it allows future teachers to apply the theories and strategies they’ve studied in real educational settings, develop confidence in their instructional abilities, and receive ongoing feedback from experienced mentors. By engaging with diverse learners and real classroom challenges, student teachers gain the practical skills, professional judgment, and classroom presence essential for becoming effective, well-prepared educators.

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