M.S.T. Adolescence Education: Social Studies

What You Will Learn

• Research-based, innovative and inclusive teaching techniques to make social studies exciting and accessible in the classroom. 
• Core content knowledge and strategies to create engaging lesson plans in alignment with the current New York State Social Studies Framework and Tool Kit.
• Effective approaches for teaching students to read, write, and think critically about the social sciences.
• Multiple opportunities to grow, take risks, and develop your own teaching philosophy.
• The perspectives and skills necessary to meaningfully connect the social sciences to the lives of your students, ensuring that learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds have equitable access to high quality social studies education.
• Communication skills to enhance your ability to teach in a collaborative environment.

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.
• Small class sizes promote close relationships with professors and fellow secondary social studies 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 social studies content and pedagogy.