Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Education collaborates with several departments at Le Moyne College to prepare teachers to address the educational needs of all children. Learning takes place in the classroom with lectures on the foundations of educational theory and practice by faculty known locally, nationally and internationally as experts in current educational issues and pedagogy. Professors are experienced public and private school teachers and bring real-world case studies to the classroom to help students prepare for their pre-service teaching experiences.
Hands-on practice provides students with real-world teaching experience and a foundation on which to build a practical knowledge base, more effective teaching strategies and leadership skills. Le Moyne’s pre-service teachers are placed in rural, urban and suburban school settings and introduced to children with different educational needs. Students are paired with their cooperating teachers the semester before their student teaching allowing for relationship building and development and agreement on expectations of the pre-service teaching experience. Weekly supervision and support is provided by the Department of Education to ensure an effective student teaching experience. In addition to the formal teaching setting, students have the opportunity to work in high-poverty urban and rural school settings as tutors and mentors.
Summer and semester opportunities for international educational experiences are available. Students have the opportunity to observe and study education in other cultures and education systems. Italy, Dominica and Germany have been among the study abroad destinations in the past. Students complete college coursework and produce significant research on topics relative to educational issues in their country of study.
Initiatives and projects have been forged with external community groups and schools to offer students and Department of Education faculty a greater application of effective teaching skills, service and leadership. The department sponsors in-service teacher training at state, parochial and private school systems; science and math institutes to help local teachers learn new content and teaching strategies; and volunteer work aiding nonprofit organizations with training.
Teaching, scholarship and service combine their strengths and serve as the foundation for the Department of Education’s mission. The actions prove the department’s goal to share the spirit for a better world and produce graduates who will make a difference in the lives of the many students they will teach.
Education Minor
It is possible for students to complete a minor in education without obtaining teacher certification. Five approved courses must be successfully completed. None of these courses may be taken pass/fail. Any student seeking a minor in education must consult with the chair of the education department.
Religion and Education Minor
The Department of Education in cooperation with the department of religious studies offers a minor program for religious studies majors who are prospective religion teachers or directors of religious education in a religious center.
New York State Approved Teacher Education Programs for Initial Certification