Advanced Preparation Programs

The advanced teacher preparation programs include Literacy Education, Special Education and TESOL MSED and CR ITI programs.

What to know before you apply

Prerequisites

Literacy Education (MSEd)

Coursework
  • None
Certification
  • Must possess initial certification or eligible for initial certification in early childhood education, childhood education, special education, speech/language, ESL or a grade 7-12 academic subject

Special Education (MSEd)

Coursework
  • Evidence of successful completion of an introductory course in special education (SPED 501, SPED 500 or the equivalent)
  • For Adolescence Special Education students only: at least six credit hours in each of the following:
    • Mathematics
    • English/Language Arts
    • Science
    • Social Studies
Certification
  • Must possess initial certification or eligible for initial certification in early childhood education, childhood education or adolescence education

TESOL (MSEd)

Coursework
  • At least 12 college-level credit hours in a foreign language
Certification
  • Applicants must possess initial certification or eligibility for initial certification in early childhood education, childhood education or adolescence education.
International Students

Applicants to the advanced preparation programs must submit all of the following materials:

  1. Graduate School online application for either the MSEd or Certificate of Advanced Studies.
  2. Official transcripts for all college study. Applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale).  For GPAs of less than 3.0 an interview will be offered.
  3. At least two letters of recommendation from individuals who supervise you, such as a college instructor or supervisor or school administrator or department chair, who can attest to your competence as a teacher and/or your potential to successfully complete graduate study. Once you have their permission, add their email addresses to your application and your recomender will have access to our recomendation form.
  4. Resume, to include current employment, previous professional education experience (including student teaching), volunteer work and other experiences with children and youth.
  5. Copy of NYS Teacher Certification from your TEACH account. This is required for all advanced programs and advanced certificate programs; this is not required for the MA TESOL program. Go into your TEACH account and create a screenshot that displays your identifying information and certificates issued. If you are not yet certified, provide a statement regarding where you are in the process and what the expectation is to receive NY state certification. TLEL will preliminarily accept an out of state license for the application. In this case a conditional admission decision may be offered, with the expectation that the student obtains the equivalent NY state credential within a prescribed amount of time after beginning the program. Note: there is no guarantee that NYS will recognize/accept an out of state credential or that our programs fulfill teacher certification requirements in other states.
  6. Personal statement. Please note: this statement requires foci differ from the generic Graduate School personal statement instructions. This is an important part of the application. Be as specific as possible, including examples where appropriate.
Advanced Programs Personal Statement

Dispositions are the values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence an individual's behavior towards students, families, colleagues, and communities. An individual's dispositions affect their opinion of student learning, motivation, and development, as well as an individual's professional growth.

Collectively, faculty members from the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership identified the Professional Dispositions they see as essential to the development of an effective educator or educational leader. These Professional Dispositions include a readiness to:

  1. Demonstrate a commitment to learning and diversity;
  2. Build rapport and serve as a strong role model to peers, colleagues, and learners;
  3. Display effective communication skills (oral and written) in all settings; and
  4. Demonstrate professional competence and conduct.

Keeping these dispositions in mind, please answer the following questions in one or two paragraph(s). They will be evaluated on the basis of how well you organize, develop and convey clear thoughts through your writing.

1. What inspired you to seek certification in Literacy, Special Education or TESOL and how will your studies enable you to reach your professional goals and support students?

2. What are the most important skills or characteristics a teacher should possess, and why do you believe they are most important?

Inquiries

For more information on the application process or a transcript review, please reach out to Tami Mann.