Education

With a rich tradition rooted in Franciscan values of service and community, Siena's education programs foster collaborative learning environments where aspiring teachers are empowered to inspire minds, shape futures, and positively impact diverse educational settings. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on experiences, and mentorship from esteemed faculty, students engage in a transformative journey that prepares them to lead with compassion, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments for all.

Department Offerings:

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Early Childhood and Childhood Education (B6) Program: New York State Initial Teacher Certification in Early Childhood (Birth- Grade 2) and Childhood (Grade 1- Grade 6).
Adolescence Education Teacher Preparation Program: New York State Initial Teacher Certification in Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12) in: Biology, Chemistry, English, French, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, and Spanish. Also offer programs leading to New York State Initial Teacher Certification in Business and Marketing (all grades) and Computer Science (all grades).
Educational Studies Minor: An 18 credit program that allows students to learn about the education system and explore possible pathways into educational careers.

Graduate Degree Programs

Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Early Childhood and Childhood Education (B6 - Birth to Grade 6)
New York State Initial Teacher Certification in Early Childhood (Birth- grade 2) and Childhood (grade 1- grade 6).
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Adolescent Education: New York State Initial/Professional Teacher Certification in Adolescence Education (grades 7-12) in: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Latin, Russian, or Spanish. Also offer programs leading to New York State Initial/Professional Teacher Certification in Business and Marketing (all grades), Technology (all grades), and Computer Science (all grades).
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MAT ESOL): Grades Pre-K-12.
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - Professional (MAT ESOL Prof): Grades Pre-K-12. A 30 credit MAT for teachers who are already initially certified by NYS.
Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction (MA C & I): A 30 credit master's degree for teachers who are already initially certified by NYS.

Other Graduate Options

Certificate of Advanced Study in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CAS TESOL). Requires a Master's degree and a valid NYS teaching certificate. Leads to NYS certification in ESOL, Grades Pre-K-12.
Certificate of Advanced Study in Curriculum and Instruction (CAS C & I) Requires a Master's degree and a valid NYS teaching certificate.
Extension Programs: Middle Childhood Extension (extend Birth-Grade 6 certification into Grades 7-9 or extend Adolescence certification into Grades 5-6); Career Awareness and Career Development Extension; Foreign Language Elementary School Extension (FLES Extension), Technology Supplemental

Siena’s Education Department offers students:

A commitment to coursework that addresses the full range of students’ abilities and needs.
Guidance from the Franciscan values in seeing the unique worth of each person.
Small class sizes where students work closely with faculty members.
Encouragement to think critically and become effective educators.
Valuable fieldwork experiences in local schools.
Diverse established partnerships with rural, suburban, and urban schools.
Opportunities for mentoring by professionals from the Education Department and experts in their academic disciplines.

New York State Certification

Our undergraduate programs prepare students to teach at the elementary and secondary levels in the following areas:

Early Childhood/Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 6). Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Spanish, French. All Grades (K-12) in Computer Science and Business and Marketing.

New York State Certification

Our graduate programs prepare students to teach at the early childhood, elementary and secondary levels in the following areas:

Early Childhood/Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 6). Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12) in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Latin, Spanish, and Russian. All Grades (Grades K-12) in Business and Marketing, Computer Science, English to Speakers of Other Languages, and Technology.

EXTENSIONS

We also offer coursework required for students to add grades extensions onto other certificates (e.g., add 5th and 6th grade extension to adolescence education, or add 7th-9th grade extension to childhood education).

TAKE YOUR DEGREE TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Siena’s master's programs prepare graduates to go out into the world and make a difference. Explore our graduate programs and learn more.

WE PARTNER WITH TeachNY

Everything you need to become a New York teacher in one place—and all for free. Sign up with TeachNY to access: 1-on-1 expert advice and group coaching sessions all about becoming a certified New York teacher. Custom tips, how-to guides, and resume templates for applying to Siena University. $100 fee reimbursements when it comes time to apply. Exclusive scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Unique resources for future educators of color. Get started here on your path to the classroom!