St. Lawrence University expects new teachers to have solid preparation both in their subject fields and in pedagogy. St. Lawrence students can enroll in undergraduate education courses both as a way to explore the multidisciplinary subjects of teaching and learning for their intrinsic values, and as a way of preparing to enter the teaching profession. In order to address the new regulations for teaching in New York State, St. Lawrence offers two minors in education to complement the major in the subject field and broad preparation in the liberal arts. In the Certification Minor, the undergraduate teacher education program offers a sequence of pre-requisite courses culminating in the Professional Semester (student teaching), through which students complete all academic requirements for an initial New York State Teaching Certificate upon graduation with a bachelor's degree. This level of preparation is accepted through reciprocity agreements in 43 other US states and in Canadian provinces as well. In the Educational Studies Minor, students complete the pre-requisite courses for student teaching, which is then taken after graduation. Students who opt for the Educational Studies Minor generally have broad interests in many different subjects as undergraduates. Both minors in education are also useful for teaching in private schools, where state certification is not required.

The following Teacher Certification Programs are registered with the New York State Education Department for grades 7-12: English, mathematics, social studies, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, French, Spanish and German. Teaching certification is also offered in K-12 Art.

Approximately 60 students per year complete the Professional Semester at St. Lawrence and are recommended for initial teaching certification. Of these, approximately 65% take teaching jobs the first year after completing the program, 20% go on for further academic study, and 15% take positions in other fields.

Professional Semester Advisor: Asst. Prof. Esther Oey
Phone: 229-5872
Campus Address: Atwood 33
Email: eoey@stlawu.edu

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