Admission Requirements

Application for admission to the Bilingual Certificate ITI Program in the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership is made to the Graduate Admissions Office. Students who do not fully meet admission requirements may be required to complete prerequisite courses concurrently with completion of the certification program requirements. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

1. Possession of a bachelor’s, master’s or higher degree in education.
2. New York state certification (initial or professional) for teaching early childhood education, childhood education, middle childhood education, adolescence education, a special subject, literacy, career and technical education, or students with disabilities.
3. Employment as a bilingual teacher.
4. An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher for applicants with baccalaureate degree. Additionally, applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the general education, liberal arts and sciences core.
5. Two letters of reference addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in the bilingual certificate program course work.
6. Interview with the coordinator of the program.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Candidates may wish to apply even if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 15

• CT 226 - Linguistics for Teachers of English-Language Learners Semester Hours: 3
• CT 260 - Foundations, Theory and Practice of Bilingual Education Semester Hours: 3
• CT 265 - Methods and Materials in Bicultural Education Semester Hours: 3
• ELED 225 - Teaching English as a Second Language Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 213 - Introduction to Bilingual and Biliteracy Instruction for Children and Adolescents Semester Hours: 3

Note:

*NOTE: It is strongly recommended that the Bilingual Education Assessment (BEA) be completed prior to graduation.

Field Experiences

Participation/observation field experiences in designated schools are required in each of the following courses:

• CT 265 - Methods and Materials in Bicultural Education Semester Hours: 3

• 15 clock hours

• ELED 225 - Teaching English as a Second Language Semester Hours: 3

• 25 clock hours

• LYST 213 - Introduction to Bilingual and Biliteracy Instruction for Children and Adolescents Semester Hours: 3

• 10 clock hours

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of all course work for the Bilingual Certificate ITI Program with an overall GPA of 3.0.
2. Completion of the 15 s.h. course work.
3. Completion of a portfolio illustrating the student’s educational and course work and professional accomplishments. All course work taken in satisfaction of the certificate program requirements must have been completed within a three-year period.
4. Completion of  all Education Law Seminars as required by the Commissioner’s Regulations. The certificate will not be conferred until all requirements are met.

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the Office of Educational Support Services, 129 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.

*Please note, as of July 1, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.

To be eligible for the certification extension in bilingual education students are required to have passing scores on the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). Please contact the Office of Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

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