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Adolescence Education (Grade 7-12)

Bachelor of Arts

Overview of Adolescence Education Program

Adolescence Education is recommended for those who have a passion for a specific subject and are interested in teaching high school students.  

Students who choose the adolescence education major will be qualified to teach specific content in grades 7-12.

Upon successful completion of the program students will earn initial teacher certification in the State of New York for adolescence education (grades 7-12) in the specific content area of their program.  NU offers five concentrations in English, Mathematics, Spanish, and French.

All education programs require comprehensive clinical field experience. The opportunity to observe and begin working with qualified teachers on various aspects of the teaching-learning process begins during the freshman year, and is required throughout the program. Field placements are aligned with coursework, include specific assignments and responsibilities, and are completed in three phases:

  • Phase 1: Education Impact Field Experience –  Candidates begin IMPACT placements in area schools as freshmen, minimally 20 hours each semester across five semesters. Transportation is provided to students as needed. And placements are arranged by the university in accordance with education/professional coursework and the area(s) of certification. Candidates are expected to complete all required field experience to be eligible for their teaching assistantship, establishing a comprehensive clinical experience.  
  • Phase 2:  Teaching Assistantship –  Aligned with the methods (400-level pedagogy) courses, candidates complete two placements resulting in a minimum of 60 hours in a classroom. Candidates in this phase are expected to continue to develop the competencies set forth by the program standards and to have experiences with various methodological approaches as relate to actual classroom practice and address student learning across content field and grade-level curriculum expectations.  
  • Phase 3:  Student Teaching –  Student Teaching is a culminating experience that is required of all candidates for completion of the program and teacher certification. Students will spend a total of 14 weeks student teaching (two full-time seven-week placements, one in each area of certification). The Student Teaching Handbook outlines all candidate expectations, which include planning, teaching and assessing instructional units, aligned to the curriculum and addressing student needs.
Students who wish to be certified to teach in Ontario will earn their initial New York state teacher certification and be assisted to apply through the Ontario College of Teachers for the letter of eligibility to teach in Ontario at the intermediate/senior level.

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Why Adolescence Education at NU?

Field Experience

Students begin observing and working in the classroom in their freshman year.

Accredited in Canada

Students earn their initial NY State teacher certification and with the assistance of NU, can apply through the Ontario College of Teachers to be certified in Ontario.

Faculty

Faculty will assist student in choosing general education courses that link to their field of education and some general education courses to satisfy program requirements.

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"Niagara truly understands the diverse care er field of accounting. Faculty help students see paths beyond the traditional CPA route, and advise them on which ones may suit them best. I took electives in data analytics, which led me to a career in fraud detection and deterrence."​
Brandon Andrews, ’17
Auditor/Investigator NYS Office of the Attorney General​

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Paula Prohaska

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Poland

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Riegel

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Sarchet

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Sheeran

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Valentin

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Whittaker

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Wild

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