Contacts

Sharon Dotger, Faculty Director of Teacher Education and Undergraduate Studies, 315-443-9138, sdotger@syr.edu
Janine Nieroda-Madden, Assistant Teaching Professor, jnieroda@syr.edu

Faculty

Beth Ferri, Duane Graysay, Janine Nieroda-Madden, Louise Wilkinson

Description

The program graduates new professionals who are prepared to teach English language arts, composition and writing, digital literacies, and a wide range of literature to diverse students in grades 7-12. It aligns with the professional standards of the National Council for Teachers of English and the New York State Teaching and Learning Standards.  From experiences in university classrooms, online, and in schools and communities, students learn to design inclusive, culturally relevant pedagogy for 21st century classrooms.  Graduates understand the key role that English educators play in developing literacy across the curriculum and for life purposes that extend beyond school.

Historically, the program and related literacy education programs have enjoyed cooperative relationships with area public schools, BOCES, and local companies that permit candidates to gain field experience and, where appropriate, conduct research in school and workplace settings. 

This program is intended for those with an English major or major equivalent (see below) who are seeking teaching certification (preparation program). In combination with the English credits described below, it meets the academic requirements for New York State initial teacher certification in English Language Arts for grades 7-12.

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

Master’s Degree Course Requirements

The program requires 35 credits, and may be completed in 12 months, beginning in May.  However, students who enter with education study equivalent to one of the courses below may have their syllabi reviewed for waiver of courses.  In no case will fewer than 30 graduate credits be required.

(courses with * include field experience)

Intensive Examination

A master’s degree intensive examination is also required.

English Education Content Requirements

In addition to the graduate courses listed above, this program requires an undergraduate degree in English or 30 credit hours in composition, English literature, poetry, playwriting, grammar or English linguistics, with a maximum of six credit hours of study in speech, drama, theater, and journalism. 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.