Education

The Division of Education and Psychology offers an array of programs to prepare future educators and others who are interested in education-related fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

At the undergraduate level, the College offers majors in education leading to New York State teacher certification across three levels: early childhood (birth through grade 2), childhood (grades 1-6), and adolescent (grades 7-12).

• The Unified Early Childhood/ Special Education program prepares candidates for certification in teaching both regular and special education from birth through grade 2.
• The Unified Childhood/ Special Education program prepares candidates for certification in teaching both regular and special education from grade 1 through grade 6.
• The Adolescent program prepares candidates for certification with three options. Beginning as a regular educator in one of five content areas (English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Biology, or Chemistry), from grades 7 through 12, candidates may opt to add coursework to earn dual certification in their content area and in special education.

In addition to programs that lead to certification, the Division offers an undergraduate major in Educational Studies. This major will provide students with the knowledge and skills to become successful partners in educational settings. Such settings could be publishing companies, law firms, businesses, museums, and social service agencies. This major will not lead to teacher certification.

At the graduate level, the Division offers an online Master’s in Literacy program that prepares candidates for initial certification in Literacy birth through grade 6, and literacy grades 5-12. This program is designed for teachers who currently hold New York State teacher certification.

The Minor in Education can be added to any undergraduate major, providing insights, knowledge and skills for students who are interested in using their major in an educational setting.  For example, students in one of the professional programs (OT, Social Work, nursing, business, ASL, interpreting) may find that having knowledge of the educational setting will prepare them for working in this area. Further, this minor can provide a foundation that may later lead to pursuing a degree in education.

The Teaching English Abroad Minor can be added to any undergraduate major, providing specific skills and knowledge that can be used to prepare a student for teaching English in another country. Students can work with the Office of Global Initiatives to explore possible teaching opportunities upon graduation. While not required for this minor, students who pursue this minor are encouraged to pursue an international Field Period® to gain further experience.

Mission of the Education Program

The mission of the Keuka College Education Program, in keeping with the College’s mission, is to provide our students with a strong liberal arts based professional preparation program, which integrates experiential learning in an intellectually challenging and supportive learning environment. We seek to prepare professional educators who can meet the needs of diverse learners and who are committed to a lifetime of reflective practice, collaborative service, and ethical leadership.

In keeping with this mission, we present these philosophical statements that guide our teaching and program development, as well as the personal development of each learner:

• Experiential education is the cornerstone of an effective teacher education program.
• The best practice is research-based and grounded in theory.
• Reflection on practice is instrumental in the continual development of best teaching.
• Every teacher needs to be prepared in both methodology and content to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
• A teacher education program needs to prepare the future educator for life-long professional and personal growth.
• College faculty need direct experience in the classroom to become, and remain, effective instructors.