Elementary Education and Reading Department

The curriculum in each major consists of coursework in three areas: general education, professional education and one of 13 liberal arts concentrations of your choosing. Class sizes typically range from 20–30 and allow for plenty of interaction, individual attention and faculty support.

A strength of the program is the “Block” semester, when students enroll as groups of 15 to 25 in a block of five teaching methods courses. The purpose of these block semesters is to promote a collegial and supportive environment as students develop and practice their teaching strategies. Students are on-site in area school districts weekly to engage in early field experiences before student teaching. The final semester consists of two student teaching placements, which may be done in various districts throughout New York state.

SUNY Oneonta’s Elementary Education and Reading Department has a long and rich history of teacher education, and our graduates have a strong track record of finding jobs, both in New York State and across the nation. SUNY Oneonta Elementary Education majors are consistently on par with or outperform students from other New York State colleges and universities on their teaching certification exams.