See a sample schedule for the Childhood/ Early Childhood program: https://www.potsdam.edu/sites/default/files/CE-ECETemplateI.pdf

Additional program highlights include:

• Opportunities for education scholarships
• Small class sizes in your education courses
• Student teaching opportunities in many counties within New York State, New York City and Canada
• 4+1 Program- Allows you to pursue your undergraduate degree in four years, then complete one of the following online graduate programs in just one additional year: Curriculum and Instruction, Literacy, Special Education, or Educational Technology Specialist.

Throughout your program, you will have many opportunities to work with school-age children in local classrooms. Your program includes opportunities to observe multiple age groups and subject areas. You will also get hands-on experience in your student teaching internship.

The following activities are part of your program:

• A 15-hour activity where you’ll explore disabilities within the classroom context.
• Opportunities to complete four hands-on field experiences in different classrooms.
• Learn strategies for teaching second language learners throughout your literacy-based courses.
• Professional development opportunities to learn about social emotional development and classroom management.

You will complete your field experiences and student teaching internship with the invaluable support of an experienced and highly effective mentor. Throughout your program, this mentor will guide you and you will be evaluated using rubrics that provide meaningful feedback for continuous improvement.

As a SUNY Potsdam alum, you will have the opportunity to be involved in a case study project during your first two years of teaching. Feedback from these case studies provides programs with insight on better preparing future teachers. SUNY Potsdam’s accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation ensures the highest standards are maintained.  

SUNY Potsdam’s programs must adhere to demanding accreditation requirements that address content knowledge, the learner, instructional practice, assessment and professional responsibilities.

• Coursework is aligned with discipline-specific professional standards and research-based methodology.
• Assessment data from key assignments is collected and reviewed at the program level.
• Results determine areas for improvement.
• You can provide feedback about your teacher preparation program through exit and alum surveys.
• Programs have established advisory boards and meet regularly with subject matter experts from partnering school districts to address concerns and provide guidance for program improvement.