Queens Campus, Staten Island
Campus, Manhattan Campus, Oakdale Campus
Why should I consider a career in
teaching?
Even in today’s highly uncertain job market, there is still ample
reason to consider a career in Education. Teaching opportunities
will continue to grow, many of which command a starting salary
exceeding $50,000 per year. It is a rewarding profession, one of
immense personal satisfaction that enables an individual to make a
difference in the world today.
Yet, a teaching career is not for everyone. Before pursuing this
field, you should consider the many challenges involved and reflect
upon whether you have what it takes to be successful. Speaking with
friends or relatives who are in the profession, visiting school
settings, and sitting down with college faculty are among the ways
one can gain an understanding of the risks and rewards of becoming
a teacher.
What if I do not have a background in
Education?
The courses The School of Education offers are part of a program
specifically designed for individuals who were not Education majors
in college, but now want to become certified teachers. This
includes recent college graduates who majored in areas outside of
Education, individuals who have pursued other careers and are ready
for a change, and persons working without credentials in private or
parochial schools who now want to advance in the field. The 42 – 48
credit Master’s program (dual certification programs are 48
credits) satisfies the Education requirements for teaching
credentials.
The New York State Education Department also requires individuals
to have a number of Liberal Arts and Content Area courses to become
certified as teachers. Upon applying to the program, the University
will conduct a transcript review of all previous coursework to
determine if a student has any deficiencies that need to be made up
prior to becoming certified. These may be in addition to the
Master’s requirements.
What kind of teacher can I become?
The University offers accelerated Career Change Programs in Early
Childhood, Childhood or Adolescent Education (Biology, English,
Mathematics, Social Studies and Spanish) with three new dual
certification opportunities available in Childhood/Special
Education, Childhood/TESOL and Early Childhood/ Early Childhood
Special Education.
Students who want to qualify to teach in Middle Schools may be
eligible to earn an
extension certificate to teach grades 6 through 8 through an
additional coursework, 3 credits for eligible Adolescent Career
Change students and 6 credits plus an additional State examination
for eligible Childhood Career Changers.
How long will it take?
You can proceed through the program at your own pace on all
campuses. By attending class part-time, in the evenings, one
could qualify for “internship certification” in as little as one
year. This form of certification makes you eligible to teach in a
New York school as a full-salaried employee. Students with
identified deficiencies may need additional courses or the
equivalent prior to interning. The University will endorse you for
“internship certification” upon completion of the following:
- 7-8 Graduate Education courses (21-24 credits),
- New York State Teacher Certification Examinations
- Child Abuse Identification and School Violence Prevention
Workshops
- Any Liberal Arts & Science Deficiencies
All students would then be expected to complete the 42 or 48
credit Master’s degree to qualify for initial teacher
certification.
Why must I complete the Master’s degree if I
am already “internship certified?”
Students who qualify for “internship certification” can seek
employment as teachers while they complete their Master’s degree or
may choose to do so towards the end of the program of study.
Teachers can work under “internship certification” for only two
years after which time they must have completed a Master’s degree
to be endorsed for initial teacher certification. With a Master’s
degree and a few years of teaching experience they can apply for
“professional teacher certification.”
Professional teacher certification qualifies you to continue
teaching under current New York State regulations and is recognized
by most states as the credential that can qualify you to teach
outside of New York.
Do I need to student teach?
A supervised student teaching experience can substitute for
interning, but it is not required. Student teachers are assigned to
schools located throughout the tri-state area where they work with
a cooperating teacher on a daily basis with no remuneration.
Interns are hired to work in the schools as full-salaried teachers
and are mentored by University faculty.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for
this career move?
Aside from investigating the teaching profession, networking with
friends who are teachers and visiting school settings, you are
encouraged to get an early start on preparing for the New York
State Teacher Certification Examinations. One of the exams, the
Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), can be taken even before
entering the program (for more information: www.nystce.nesinc.com).
Students are required to pass a total of 3 exams, 4 in programs
that offer dual certification.
Do I need to give up my current job to enter this
program?
Most students remain employed in their current positions while
enrolled in this program. Students eligible for “internship
certification” have the option of seeking a full-time paid teaching
position half-way through the program or can decide to do so
towards the end of the program. Internship or student teaching is a
requirement for the degree.
What are the requirements for entering the
program?
As a college graduate with a grade point average of 3.0 or better
you should be eligible to enroll in the Career Change Master’s
degree programs. Additional coursework may be required for students
lacking the Liberal Arts background to meet New York State teacher
certification requirements; however, can be completed while
enrolled in the program. Information on financial aid and
scholarships can be secured in The School of Education
office.
What is the cost of the classes?
For updated information on tuition, please go to www.stjohns.edu/tuition.
Where can I take classes?
Classes for many of the Career Change programs can be taken at any
of the four campuses. Additionally, a select group of classes are
available online.
How do I apply?
Students should complete the application, which was enclosed in
this response package, or complete an
online application. For further information or an application
contact:
Queens Campus
Dr. Kelly K. Ronayne
(718)
990-2304
graded@stjohns.edu
Staten Island Campus
Steven S. Kuntz, Ph.D.
(718) 390-4506
kuntzs@stjohns.edu
Manhattan Campus
Jennifer Bakshi
(212) 277-5122
jobm@stjohns.edu
Oakdale Campus
Linda Faucetta
(631) 218-7777
faucettl@stjohns.edu
Open Houses and Individual
Appointments
Open Houses are scheduled throughout the year on each of our
campuses. Information regarding upcoming Open Houses can be
provided by contacting the aforementioned individuals or by
visiting the following link: Open House Schedule.
Individual appointments with faculty can also be arranged through
these parties.