In general, you will take introductory courses with observational fieldwork in your first year, 200-level courses that build upon foundational knowledge in your second year, teaching methods coursework in your third year, and student teaching in your fourth year.

The program is designed to get you into fieldwork experiences early in your program, first on an observational basis and then gradually assuming more responsibility during your fieldwork.

Fieldwork prepares you for student teaching, which takes place during your final semester at Utica.

Several courses are offered on-site at area school districts, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the school environment and classroom technology.

Utica champions diversity and makes every effort to diversify the teacher workforce. One of its closest P-12 partners, Utica City Schools, is highly diverse, and many students are placed there for fieldwork and student teaching. Utica's location allows for diverse clinical experiences in urban, rural and suburban settings.

One of the program's great strengths is Utica University's university-based teacher educators, also known as supervisors. The majority of the supervisors are retired classroom teachers who want to give back to the profession and are invested in the success of the next generation of teachers.

In addition to that 1:1 mentoring, the student teaching seminar is taught by two local P-12 administrators, providing a perfect forum for you to ask meaningful questions of seasoned professionals. 

Certification and program support continue after graduation and are highlights of Utica's program.

Utica’s Educator Preparation Program is nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), and Utica University holds Middle States national accreditation.

In addition, the program undergoes a rigorous annual assessment designed to identify ways to improve current program practices. Utica University utilizes feedback from other stakeholders, such as employers, students and faculty to practice continuous improvement.