The Loading... program is designed to meet the teacher education regulations of the New York State Education Department, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), as well as Advisory Board recommendations and alumni feedback. This program is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Completion leads to Initial/Professional certification in Adolescence Education: English (Grades 7-12), with an option for an extension to Grades 5-6.
What You Will Learn:
- Research-based, innovative and inclusive teaching strategies to make English Language Arts exciting and accessible in the classroom.
- Student-centered, inquiry-based approaches to help students read and think critically, including the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate a text.
- Multiple opportunities to grow, take risks, and develop your own teaching philosophy.
- The perspectives and skills necessary to meaningfully connect English Language Arts to the lives of your students, ensuring that learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds have equitable access to high quality English education.
- Communication skills to enhance your ability to teach in a collaborative environment.
English teachers give their students the tools they need to conduct research, think critically, and express themselves. A strong foundation in language, both written and spoken, is one of the most important skills you can offer a learner, enabling them to express themselves in every area of their lives.
The Fieldwork Experience:
- Completion of 100 hours of fieldwork in a local school prior to student teaching, gaining hands-on understanding of educational environments and innovative teaching strategies used in today's classrooms.
- One semester of student teaching, including two distinct placements in the middle and high school level.
- A close relationship with your field supervisor, who is committed to offering the support and insight you need to reach your highest potential as an educator.
Unique Program Features:
- Student teaching placements frequently result in full-time employment upon graduation.Our faculty has a large network of contacts in the field that lead to information about job opportunities, and our graduates regularly call for recommendations to fill positions.
- Multiple opportunities to go beyond the classroom; develop and teach English-based workshops and projects in the community including after school programs, local nursing homes, and the Community Performance Series.
- Small class sizes promote close relationships with professors and fellow secondary English teacher candidates. Students graduate with a cohort who provides support throughout the length of their future careers.
- An advisor guides you through the entire program, providing support that greatly enhances your education experience.
- Opportunities are offered to attend professional development workshops and/or conferences to help further your understanding of english content and pedagogy.
“I made the tough decision to apply for graduate school after a fruitful career in social work. It was a decision that not only changed my life, but altered the course of my family’s as well. The MST program prepared me for teaching in ways that I couldn't have imagined.”
~ Johnny Dundon
Program Contacts
Admissions / General Information
The Office of Graduate Studies
800) 458-1142 / (315) 267-2165
Satterlee Hall room 116
SUNY Potsdam
44 Pierrepont Avenue
Potsdam, New York 13676-2294
graduate@potsdam.edu
www.potsdam.edu/graduate
Program-Related Information
Joanne Stiles
Program Coordinator
Satterlee 213A
(315) 267-2961
stilesjm@potsdam.edu