The State University of New York at Old Westbury is a dynamic public liberal arts university that fosters academic excellence through close interaction among students, faculty and staff. Considered SUNY's most diverse campus, Old Westbury is a regional academic leader that fosters personal growth and prepares students to embrace the social and environmental responsibilities of the 21st-century global community.
Old Westbury weaves the values of integrity, community engagement and global citizenship into its academic programs and campus life. In an environment that cultivates critical thinking, empathy, creativity and intercultural understanding, Old Westbury stimulates a passion for learning and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable world.
The School of Education offers bachelor’s degree programs that meet the initial and professional teacher certification requirements of the State of New York.
All programs at Old Westbury are:
Approved by the New York State Education Department
Designed to teach you the knowledge and skills identified by local school districts and the New York State Education Department as essential for all teachers
As a proud member of the American Association of Quality Educator Preparation, Old Westbury’s mission is to prepare empowered teacher leaders who build equitable, inclusive and socially just learning environments.
Students at SUNY Old Westbury have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with SUNY Old Westbury to see if you can, too!
Amount
Description
Varies
Grants
The Teacher Opportunity Corps grant program seeks to increase the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged individuals in teaching careers. Learn more.
Varies
Work Study
Old Westbury has a university-wide work-study program.
Bilingual / Add-on Biology (grades 7-12) Chemistry (grades 7-12) Childhood Education/Elementary Education (grades 1-6) Early Childhood Education / Add-on Mathematics (grades 7-12) Social Studies (grades 7-12) Students with Disabilities (all grades)
Program Overview
When you enter your bachelor’s degree program in the School of Education, you will have already taken at least 48 credits, so your time in the degree program is usually less than four or even three years.
In year one, you will take courses in:
Literacy and reading
Teaching methods
Your subject area content if you are studying adolescent education
In year two, you will:
Take additional teaching methods courses
Take a pre-student teaching observation course
Complete your required content courses
If you have fulfilled all the requirements, you'll participate in hands-on student teaching in a local classroom at the end of year two.
If you earn a bilingual education extension or study special education, you’ll take additional courses, so you might need extra time to complete the program.
Program Hallmarks
During your student teaching experience, you will be partnered with a cooperating teacher in a local classroom who understands the School of Education’s teaching and learning goals. You will get to observe, assist, and instruct students individually, in small groups and during whole class lessons.
You will develop and strengthen the skills and knowledge you need to become an effective teacher through:
Classroom observations
Teaching experiences
Interactions with students and teachers
Reflections on your teaching
The School Of Education believes in:
Preparing teacher leaders with the knowledge and skills to educate learners in diverse and socially just classrooms.
Empowering educators to build equitable and inclusive learning communities in and outside the classroom.
Offering courses that align with the New York State Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Framework.
You will participate in mentoring and coaching activities throughout your program. You will have the opportunity to observe in many diverse classroom settings, and student teach in a local classroom with a mentor teacher.
The School of Education and the Teacher Opportunity Corps also offer various professional development opportunities.
The School Of Education has a quality assurance system in place to ensure:
Peak organizational performance
Candidate advancement only if requirements are met
Continuous revision of admission requirements, policies and advising procedures
Reliable, valid, fair and trustworthy assessments and data
The School of Education includes its P-12 partners, alums and current students in program quality feedback.
Get Started
Own the application process. Start a checklist to put yourself on track to becoming the best teacher you can be.
