Contacts

Sharon Dotger, Faculty Director of Teacher Education and Undergraduate Studies, 315-443-9138, sdotger@syr.edu 
Christine Ashby, ceashby@syr.edu
George Theoharis, gtheohar@syr.edu

Faculty

Jill Christian-Lynch, Sharon Dotger, Beth Ferri, Nicole Fonger, Duane Graysay, Bong Gee Jang, Jeff Mangram, Joanna Masingila,

Description

This program leads to certification to teach grades 1-6. A bachelor’s degrees in appropriate fields other than education is required.  The primary goal of the program is to prepare teachers to work effectively with children in elementary schools. It meets the academic requirements for New York State Childhood 1-6 teacher certificate.  Students may also find that many other states give some reciprocity to this program. 

The program draws upon the expertise and scholarship of faculty members who are leaders in the fields of elementary education, literacy, math, science, inclusive education, culturally responsive education, and other related disciplines. It has a long-standing history of providing training that infuses clinical practice with current research. We have developed strong relationships with local school districts where students will have a variety of field experiences, including substantial placements in both fall and spring.

The program begins in the first summer session (May) and requires full-time study for 14-16 months. Students benefit by going through program courses with a cohort of other Childhood Education students. Revision to the sequence of program courses is under discussion.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Acquire knowledge of each student, and demonstrate knowledge of student development and learning to promote achievement for all students
2. Know the content they are responsible for teaching, and plan instruction that ensures growth and achievement for all students
3. Implement instruction that engages and challenges all students to meet or exceed the learning standards
4. Work with all students to create a dynamic learning environment that supports achievement and growth
5. Use multiple measures to assess and document student growth, evaluate instructional effectiveness, and modify instruction
6. Demonstrate professional responsibility and engage relevant stakeholders to maximize student growth, development, and learning
7. Set informed goals and strive for continuous professional growth

MS/Childhood Education/Preparation Program Courses

Childhood Education (1-6) Preparation Content Requirements

In addition to the graduate courses listed above, this program requires an undergraduate degree in a liberal arts content core or 30 credit hours in one or more of the liberal arts and sciences. In addition, they must have six credits in English (three of which must be in writing), six credits of Mathematics, six credits in the Natural Sciences, and six credits in the Social Science (three of which must be in history), where appropriate these English, Mathematics, Science or Social Sciences may overlap with the liberal arts content core. Typically, a 3.0 average in these courses is required.

It is expected that students will enter the program with most of these requirements completed. Students who do not complete all of the requirements cannot be recommended for certification.

Also Required

Workshops in violence prevention, child abuse and abduction, substance abuse, the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), and school and fire safety.

As a culminating experience, students complete a portfolio demonstrating evidence of professional competence.