Overview
The Department of Elementary Education and Reading at SUNY Oneonta 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. You can choose between two options: Childhood Education (Grade 1–6) or Early Childhood/Childhood Education Dual Certificate (Birth–Grade 6).
Department
Program Type
Area of Study
Delivery Mode

What You’ll Learn
The curriculum in both programs has three dimensions of education: general, content and 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.

Mohawk Valley Community College Partnership
Our articulation program with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) provides a pathway for community college students to pursue their teaching certifications beginning as first-year students and continuing through the end of their master’s degree in one of our Literacy Education graduate programs, taught fully on-site at MVCC.

Accreditation
All of our educator preparation programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Career Opportunities
In addition to the many elementary school teachers working in schools throughout New York State and beyond, here’s a sampling of alumni careers.
Requirements
Select either Childhood Education (Grade 1–6) or Early Childhood/Childhood Education Dual Certificate (Birth–Grade 6) and see the list of required courses and a sample plan of study for your next four years.

Hands-On Learning
We have well-established, collaborative partnerships with four regional school districts that will allow you to get immersive teaching and learning opportunities on-site in local classrooms. These experiences will enable you to learn first-hand how to successfully navigate a rapidly changing educational environment and develop teaching practices that engage all learners.

Block Semester
You’ll form tight bonds with your classmates during your “Block” semester, when students enroll as groups of 15 to 25 in a block of five teaching methods courses. You’ll be 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.
Meet our Students and Faculty
Hear from current students and faculty and get a glimpse of what’s it like to be an Elementary Education major at Oneonta!

Literacy Education Graduate Program
Many Elementary Education majors choose to continue their education at SUNY Oneonta after graduation in our online Literacy Education (All Grades) master’s degree program. Classes are taught by the same Elementary Education and Reading faculty you’ll get to know as an undergraduate student, well as other practitioners within the field of education.

Accolades
SUNY Oneonta’s Elementary Education major is #3 in the U.S., according to Teacher.org ranking of more than 780 qualifying schools.
Recent Alumni Story
NYS Education Certification
This program satisfies the educational requirements required for certification in New York State only. Individuals interested in this program who do not reside in NY State but are planning to seek employment in NY State may be eligible for admission to this program.
Contact Admissions
Admissions
108 Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY 13820
United States