Teacher Certification
Overview
Eligibility and Academic Requirements
Students should apply to the chairperson of the department in spring semester of their freshman year. Those who wish to begin preliminary coursework in the Teacher Education program in sophomore year must have attained a 2.75 cumulative index prior to the start of coursework. Those students whose GPA falls between 2.5 and 2.74 may request permission to complete education coursework. However, they must create a plan of action outlining how they will attain the required GPA by the end of the second semester of education coursework. These students will be granted conditional acceptance. Permission to complete coursework does not guarantee formal acceptance into the education program.
Field Experience
The University continues an ongoing professional relationship with schools within the District 10 area in the Bronx. Field experiences are also provided in nearby Yonkers, Hastings, and in non-public school settings. Through these collaborations, students are afforded realistic teaching experiences and opportunities to be assessed in knowledge, skills, and professionalism within the actual classroom setting. Students must attain a satisfactory level of performance on all required outcomes. The Teacher Education Department makes all practicum and student teaching assignments.
The first and second semesters of coursework are described as preliminary to admission for all students. During this time students demonstrate articulation of career goals, good health, emotional stability, a professional attitude, competency in oral and written communication and a steadily increasing index, if needed. Any student whose written communication is deemed unsatisfactory will be required to attend tutoring sessions in the Academic Resource Center.
Student Teaching
Only students who have completed the stated prerequisites and who are approved by the Department will be registered for student teaching. Students enrolled in a dual certification program must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to be eligible to complete both of the required student teaching experiences.
Accreditation and Accountability
The Teacher Education programs are accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), an authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Students who wish to receive University endorsement for New York State Certification must demonstrate competence in academic coursework, teaching skills, and professional practice. Professional decorum includes consistent adherence to coursework and fieldwork guidelines, demonstrated responsibility for one’s personal and professional development and receptivity to guidance offered by mentors and advisors.
In order for a student to be recommended for initial certification, the following requirements must be met:
1. Completion of all course work with a cumulative index of 3.0 or better;
2. A grade of “B-” or better in all Education coursework;
3. Completion of the New York State Education Department approved program of teacher preparation in the certification area;
4. Successful completion and submission of electronic portfolio (edTPA) as part of the general education student teaching (with the exception of those eligible for NYSED Covid Safety Net);
5. Completion of all New York State Department of Education mandated workshops.
Please note: Candidates for the New York State certification are responsible for meeting requirements for the certification area they seek. Any changes in NYS requirements take precedence over those on this webpage.
New York State Examinations
In addition to University endorsement, students seeking initial certification in New York State must attain a passing score on the following exams: Educating All Students Test and Content Specialty Test (s) aligned to area of certification(s). Successful completion and submission of EdTPA, Teacher Performance Assessment, is also required for certification and completion of student teaching. Students must adhere to the schedule of exam completion provided by the department in order to progress in the program.
Interstate Certification
While New York State is a member of the Interstate Certification Project, which recognizes comparable initial academic program requirements among member states, students are responsible to consult out-of-state or local boards of education to ascertain their specific requirements. The Department will assist in the planning which should be initiated in sophomore year.