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Become an Early Childhood, Elementary, or Middle School Teacher
Early childhood, elementary school, and middle school teachers implement high-quality curricula developed using state-adopted standards, while they create an educational environment and culture built on trust and human connection.
This program allows you to earn a grades 7-9 extension, so you’ll have more choices as you build your career.
Bachelor’s in Education Highlights
This education major will prepare you to become a classroom teacher with both pedagogical and practical experience.
You will take general education courses as well as program-specific courses that will prepare you to become a transformative educator.
Choose your concentration: You may add the Middle School Extension for certification through ninth grade in English, History, or Spanish.
We have options: If you would like to teach students from birth through sixth grade, please see Russell Sage College’s combined Childhood and Early Childhood Education (B-6) bachelor’s degree program.
We include lots of professional development, early-on: You’ll begin making professional connections and applying skills you are learning almost immediately, thanks to our early fieldwork and networking opportunities with local school districts Plus, regular, individual check-ins with your faculty mentor make it easy to identify the opportunities that best fit your goals.
High school students can start their bachelor’s early: Our partnership with East Greenbush Central School District allows students in grades 9-12 to earn up to 30 college credits. Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood Education or Physical Education from Russell Sage College in just three years, saving time and money.
You can also get a head start on a master’s degree: You may take graduate courses in your senior year, to get a head start on a master’s degree in Literacy Education, a master’s degree in Special Education or a dual master’s degree in Special Education/Literacy.
We’re accredited: Russell Sage College is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation, a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Childhood Education bachelor’s degree program has been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP.
Find all of this at an institution recognized for its education programs, small cohesive class cohorts and supportive, accessible faculty.
Your Future with New York State Teaching Certification, B-9
Initial Teaching Certification in New York State
By completing this program, you’ll be eligible to be certified by New York State in teaching grades B-9.
After graduating from Sage’s Childhood Education program, you’ll be able to apply for teaching positions. You’ll have to sit for a series of tests and obtain a master’s degree to earn professional certification.
Graduates of Russell Sage College’s education programs are classroom teachers, literacy specialists, and school administrators in districts near Albany, New York, and throughout New York state.
According to U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Jobs” rankings, the median annual wage for elementary school teachers was $60,940 in 2020. The same rankings indicated the average salary for elementary teachers in New York was $84,380, placing New York among the five states with the highest average salaries for elementary teachers.
Graduate Studies with an Elementary Education Degree
A graduate program at Russell Sage College is the next step for many elementary education majors with initial certification who would like to pursue a master’s degree and professional certification.
Programs include:
Special Education (M.S.Ed.)
Literacy Education (M.S.Ed.)
Literacy/Special Education (M.S.)
