With a rich tradition rooted in Franciscan values of service and community, Siena's education program fosters a collaborative learning environment where aspiring teachers are empowered to inspire minds, shape futures, and make a positive impact in 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 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
- Master of Arts in Teaching, Adolescent Education: Includes grades 7-12 certification pathways in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Computer Science (K-12), Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Latin, Russian, or Spanish. MAT, Business and Marketing - grades K-12; MAT, Technology - grades K-12.
This program is awaiting NYSED and MSCHE approval. - Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MAT ESOL): M.A.T., ESOL - grades K-12. Certificate of Advanced Study, ESOL (CAS ESOL). Certificate of Advanced Study, ESOL - Clinically Rich Intensive Teaching Institute (CAS ESOL)
This program is awaiting NYSED and MSCHE approval. - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction (MA C & I): Including a Certificate of Advanced Study, Curriculum and Instruction (CAS C & I)
This program is awaiting NYSED and MSCHE approval. - Certificate of Advanced Study, Teacher Leadership and National Board (CAS NB)
- Extension Programs: Middle Childhood Extension; Career Awareness and Career Development Extension; Foreign Language Elementary School Extension (FLES Extension)
We provide a selection of courses enabling students across the College to examine and develop informed opinions on questions pertaining to the role of education in a democracy; questions of opportunity, equity and access; and issues of justice, the common good and human rights. These courses blend rigorous intellectual work in social science with focused field experiences/internships, and encourage students to apply new insights and understandings across a multitude of contexts.
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.