Teacher Education Programs

Students interested in teaching may consider a number of program options leading to certification. The four-year undergraduate college program leads to the initial teaching certificate. This certificate is valid for five years. It is then necessary to earn a master’s degree for professional certification. All programs are accredited by the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

When reviewing programs it should be noted that the elementary programs require a 30 s.h. concentration in a content area. The adolescence programs require a major or its equivalent in a content area.

Options Available

I. Early Childhood Education

This program leads to a baccalaureate degree and initial certification for teaching early childhood education (birth-grade 2). A 30 s.h. concentration in one of 13 different concentrations which are aligned with the New York State Learning Standards is required.

The program is designed to prepare the teacher to create a productive learning environment; plan and execute instructional activities; monitor and assess student learning; address the special developmental and educational needs of students in the pre-school and primary grades. Field experiences and student teaching in both the lower primary and pre-school levels are included.

II. Childhood Education

This program leads to a baccalaureate degree and initial certification for teaching grades 1-6. A 30 s.h. concentration in one of 13 different concentrations which are aligned with the New York State Learning Standards is required.

This program is designed to prepare the teacher to create a productive learning environment, plan and execute instructional activities; monitor and assess student learning; and address the special and developmental needs of students in the lower and upper elementary grades. Field experiences and student teaching at both levels are included.

III. Early Childhood/Childhood Education Dual Certificate

This program leads to a baccalaureate degree and initial certifications for teaching early childhood education (Birth-grade 2) and childhood education (grades 1-6). A 30 sh. concentration in one of 13 different concentrations which are aligned with the New York State Learning Standards is required. This dual certificate program may take more than four years to complete because it requires two semesters of methods. Field experiences and student teaching at both levels are included.

IV. Adolescence Certification for Grades 7-12

This certification requires completion of one of the following programs: Family and Consumer Science Education (all grades), Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Earth Science Education, English Education, French Education, Mathematics Education, Physics Education, Social Studies Education, and Spanish Education. Each program includes courses in professional education, content, and related work. Professional education consists of a sequence of courses that aids the preservice teacher in the knowledge, comprehension, and application of the skills and strategies professional educators judge to be necessary to be an effective teacher. Each program involves over 100 hours of field experience prior to student teaching and college-supervised student teaching in both the middle level and high school grades.

The programs are designed to prepare the teacher to create a productive learning environment; plan and execute instructional activities; monitor and assess student learning; address the special developmental and educational needs of diverse student populations; effectively integrate technology; and be reflective, self-directed lifelong learners.

Acceptance into Teacher Education Programs

The number of students accepted into teacher education programs at Oneonta depends upon several factors that may vary by academic year:

the space available in any particular program;
the needs of the teaching profession;
the likelihood of success of individual applicants.

Consequently the Education Division reserves the right to:

determine the grade point average necessary to be admitted and to be retained in a teacher education program;

Details regarding acceptance, retention, and completion of education programs can be found in the Education Division section of this catalog.

Transfer Policy

EDUC/EPSY courses may not be more than five (5) years old.

Required courses in other content areas may not be more than ten (10) years old.

Courses listed on the teacher education transfer template as not accepted by Oneonta can be reviewed by the appropriate
department chair to determine whether additional work completed can be substituted for the required courses.