Students enrolled in the graduate-level course Foundations of Literacy in the College of Education at Fredonia receive classroom instruction from Lecturer Abigail Gloss of the Department of Language, Learning and Leadership.
The path for students who want to become elementary teachers with additional certifications in special education and literacy has been shortened and some of their tuition expenses lowered at the State University of New York at Fredonia, thanks to a program recently approved by the New York State Education Department.
Highly motivated students seeking New York state certification in this field can earn a B.S and M.S in Education in five years through the accelerated Childhood Inclusive Education and Literacy Birth-Grade 12 program. The accelerated program, which goes into effect in the 2019-2020 academic year, reduces by one year the time needed to earn both degrees at Fredonia.
The program also gives a distinct advantage to graduates in the job market.
“Having multiple certifications makes a teacher candidate more attractive to school districts because it gives administrators greater flexibility to meet staffing needs,” explained Diane Sercu of the Office of Student Services.
The 146-credit program enables qualified students to become eligible and be recommended for New York State teaching certification in four areas: Childhood Grades 1-6; Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6; Literacy, Birth-Grade 6; and Literacy, Grades 5-12.
Under the program, student teaching placements occur in the spring semester of the junior year and fall semester of the senior year. Students begin enrolling in graduate courses during their senior year. Students completing requirements for the B.S. in Childhood Inclusive Education will participate in the May Commencement ceremony at the end of their fourth year, and again as a graduate student at the end of their fifth year upon fulfilling requirements for the M.S. in Literacy Birth to Grade 12.
New York state requires all teachers to obtain a master’s degree within five years of the completion of their initial degree.
“The new accelerated five-year program, along with all of Fredonia’s teacher education programs, enables our students to become skilled, connected, creative and responsible global professionals who enrich the world through their teaching and community engagement,” said College of Education Founding Dean Christine Givner. “This new program is an exciting addition to our teacher education programs.”
