Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Academics
1. Q. What are the graduate programs available in Education?
A. There are two programs for teacher candidates who have not taken education courses or who have never majored in education. These are the Childhood Education Program - Grades 1-6 and the Adolescent Education Program - Grades 7-12. There are also two Advanced Masters' programs strictly for certified teachers. These are the Early Childhood Program - Ages 0-8 and the Literacy Program - Ages 0-11. Finally, there is an advanced master's program in Educational
Leadership, open only to teachers with at least 3 years of experience.
2. Q. What are the undergraduate programs available in Education?
A. All undergraduates must do a dual major in Education and one of 11 different fields. These are: Art, English, French, History, Mathematics, Music, Natural Science, Psychology, Sociology/Anthropology, Spanish, and Theatre.
Admissions
3. Q. What do I need for an interview to enter the graduate program for Education?
A. You must complete a graduate application, submit it to the Office of Graduate Admissions, and then receive word from Admissions that your application is complete and an interview can be scheduled.
4. Q. What are the steps to apply for graduate school in Education?
A. You must have completed or be in the process of completing your undergraduate degree in a liberal arts and science major. You should speak to the Chair of Education about your interest in applying to graduate school and you should check with the Office of Admissions to make sure you are fully in compliance with Graduate Admissions requirements.
5. Q. How do I declare a major in Education?
A. Confer with the Chair of Education and the Chair of the Department that your Dual Major will be in and complete a form declaring your dual major. Make sure to get both chairs to sign this form. You should have a GPA of at least 2.75.
Certification
6. Q. How do you get certified?
A. You must register on the NYSED TEACH site and you must receive a recommendation for certification on this site from the Chair of the Department of Education at Wagner.
7. Q. How do you get certified for Special Education?
A. Same as above. Register on the TEACH NYSED site and receive a recommendation for certification on this site from the Chair of the Department of Education at Wagner.
8. Q. As an undergraduate, what kind of NYS certification can I receive?
A. You may receive certification in Childhood Education - Grades 1-6 and Childhood Education and Children with Disabilities - Grades 1-6.
9. Q. How do I get my substitute license?
A. You must be nominated by a principal. Speak to a principal or officials in the New York City Department of Education for additional information.
Classes
10. Q. I am having a problem in one of my courses. How do I file a grievance?
A. Speak to the Chair of Education or put into writing your area of concern.
11. Q. Which classes are required for all undergraduate Education majors?
A. There are 13 classes in all. ED210 must be taken first, then ED 326, and then ED335. While completing ED335, you should apply to the TPP or Teacher Preparation Program. You must have an interview with an Education Department faculty member before taking additional courses. Once accepted into the TPP, you may take the following in any order: ED425, ED426, ED414-ILC along with CS322 and ED406, ED412, ED399, ending with ED580, ED550B, and ED560B.
12. Q. What classes are required for all graduate Education majors?
12. A. It varies depending on the program. Please the Education Department Chair for more information and look on our website for requirements associated with each program.
Out of State Licensure
13. Q. How do I get certified to teach in New Jersey?
A. The main thing is to get the form from New Jersey that allows the Wagner Education Department Chair to confirm that you have completed a New York State approved Teacher Education Program. Once that form has been submitted to the State of New Jersey and once you successfully pass the Praxis Test, you should have no difficulty getting certified.
14. Q. What states can I apply for certification in if I pass the Praxis exam?
A. Most states. Exceptions are Massachusetts and California.
Student Teaching
15. Q. Can I student teach in New Jersey?
A. In rare cases, yes, you may.
16. Q. How many hours must I complete for student teaching?
A. Ordinarily, you must do 14 weeks of students teaching or about 450 hours in all.
Teacher Preparation Program
17. Q. Can I do my field hours in New Jersey?
A. Yes, in some cases.
18. Q. How many field hours must I complete in each of my courses?
A. It varies. Usually 20 or 30.
Workshops
19. Q. Does the education department offer any workshops that I may attend?
A. We offer many workshops. Please see the Department website for updates.
20. Q. Are there fees for any of the workshops?
A. Usually, no.
21. Q. What evidence do I receive to prove my attendance at a workshop?
A. You must sign a sheet indicating that you participated and get the workshop facilitator to sign off on an official citation of participation.