We’ve educated future educators for more than 100 years, but that doesn’t mean we’re stale.
We support future educators from their bachelor’s degree through our doctoral programs because we believe education never stops.
- Positive Education
We were the first college in the United States to partner with The Center for Positive Education to ensure our graduates are trained in Positive Education techniques – as critical a part of an educators’ toolkit as lesson planning and differentiated instruction. - Instructional Leadership
We were the first college to launch an advanced certificate in Instructional Leadership that meets the requirements for School Building Leader (SBL)/School District Leader (SDL) certification in New York State. - Sport Science
We were the first college to offer an online master’s program in Sport Science: Coaching and Mental Performance, providing educators the skills needed to address the mental health needs of student-athletes. - Undergraduate Programs
And when the teacher shortage made it impossible for schools to fill vacancies, we were the first to launch a bachelor’s program that prepares graduates for certification in three key areas – early childhood education, childhood education, and special education.
Top Educators Are Made Here
Could one college possibly graduate the best in the state – or country – in nearly every role in education? Russell Sage did, and we’re incredibly proud of how these graduates (and one soon-to-be doctoral graduate) reflect Be. Know. Do. as standouts in the field.


The Power in Positive Ed
Well-being matters, and today’s students and teachers need the tools to manage today’s world.
That’s why Russell Sage College became the first college in the nation to partner with The Center for Positive Education. Each student in the Esteves School of Education graduates with training in Positive Education, and Russell Sage will extend the training to the greater education community with professional development opportunities.
Undergraduate Education Degrees
Explore our undergraduate programs in education:
Childhood and Early Childhood Education (B-6)
With one education bachelor’s degree, you will be eligible for New York State certification to become a teacher for students from birth through sixth grade.
Careers
Graduate School
Childhood and Early Childhood Education with 7-9 Extension (B-9)
With this elementary education degree, you will be eligible for initial New York State certification to become a classroom teacher for students from birth through ninth grade.
Childhood Education/Early Childhood Education/Special Education
This program prepares you for initial certification as a classroom teacher for grades birth through 6 and for all grades in special education.
Careers
Graduate School
Physical Education
Build skills for a career in teaching and coaching as a Physical Education major.
Graduate School
Careers
Graduate Education Degrees
Explore our graduate programs in education:
Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Master’s Program (M.S.)
Earn an Applied Behavior Analysis master’s degree in 20 months. This online ABA master’s program satisfies coursework requirements for the BCBA exam.
Careers
Licensed Behavior Analyst
Art Education Master’s Program (MAT)
Our MAT in art education can be completed in one or two years and leads to New York State Visual Arts Certification, pre-K through 12th grade.
Careers
Child Education / Literacy Education Master’s Program (M.S.)
This master’s-level teaching program is ideal for individuals without an undergraduate degree in education. You’ll learn to teach common-branch subjects in grades 1-6 and to specialize in teaching students in all grades struggling to read and write.
Student Teaching
Careers
Childhood & Special Education Master’s Program (M.S.)
This master’s-level teaching program is ideal for individuals without an undergraduate degree in education. You’ll learn how to effectively teach all students in elementary classrooms and students with disabilities in all grades.
Careers
Classroom Academy
Educational Leadership Doctoral Program
Take your career in education to the next level with a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Ed.D. program offers cohorts in Albany, Long Island, and New York City.
Careers
Instructional Leadership (School Administrator Certification with Superintendent Extension) Advanced Certificate
A focus on instructional leadership boosts the careers of those seeking School Administrator Certification with Superintendent Extension (formerly SBL/SDL) or teachers who want to specialize as Instructional Coaches.
Ideal for many audiences
Convenient and Affordable
Courses are live online sessions held on weekends and evenings.
Competitively priced among both public and private colleges.
Literacy Education Master’s Program (MSEd)
This master’s program in literacy education is ideal for individuals with initial teacher certification, or who are eligible for initial certification, and who want to enrich learning for their students as a literacy specialist for all grades.
Student Teaching
Careers
Professional School Counseling Master’s Program (M.S.)
Our accredited educational counseling master’s and certificate programs will help you prepare to earn certification in New York state.
Hands-On Experience
Careers
School District Business Leader Advanced Certificate (SDBL)
This post-master’s certificate prepares students to pursue School District Business Leader (SDBL) certification in New York state.
Ideal for many audiences
Convenient and Affordable
Courses are online, and held on weekends and evenings.
Competitively priced among both public and private colleges.
School Health Education Master’s Program (M.S.)
Our health education master’s degree program will prepare you to become a health teacher (K-12) in New York state.
Internships
Careers
Special Education Master’s Program (MSEd)
This master’s degree is for individuals who are looking to become certified in special education (all grades).
Internships
Careers
Special Education/Literacy Specialist
A dual master’s degree in Special Education/Literacy Specialist will prepare you to teach all types of students.
Student Teaching
Careers
Sport Science Master’s Program (M.S.) – Coaching & Mental Performance
This online master’s in sport science is ideal for PE teachers seeking professional certification, for college coaches or for anyone seeking to work more effectively with athletes.
Why join an Esteves School of Education program?
Sage’s Education degree programs offer many advantages. Our recent graduates agree!
91%
of Sage bachelor’s graduates and 98% of master’s and doctoral graduates surveyed note that they are employed or furthering their education after graduation.
97%
of Education graduates who are employed indicate they work in education and 92% of those indicate they are working in a job related to their Sage Education training.
97%
of Sage Education graduates report that they are likely to remain in education.
92%
of Sage Education graduates passed NYS tests required for teaching in 2022-23, (the average statewide pass rate was 84%).
98%
of Sage Education graduates rated their overall preparation as good or very good.
100%
Sage Education graduates surveyed reported that they were prepared to use instructional technology (100%), appropriate pedagogy (94%), content knowledge (91%), critical thinking and problem-solving skills (97%), and understanding of diverse students (94%).
Our Education Faculty
Professors at the Esteves School of Education bring a wealth of experience from every facet of the education field
Our faculty includes distinguished researchers, experienced classroom teachers, and respected program directors, principals, superintendents and district administrators with connections to schools and school districts throughout New York state.
Spotlights
A degree in Education prepared these Sage graduates for success.
“As a first-generation college-bound Latina, education was my family’s way out of poverty,” says Alexandra Estrella, Ed.D., superintendent of Norwalk, …
“This is a really great profession,” said special education teacher Connie Amedore. “You get to make a difference in kids’ …
Q&A with New York State High School Principal of the Year, a Doctoral Candidate in Russell Sage College’s Educational Leadership Program …
Tahisha Richards figured the moment had passed her by. For so long she’d thought one day she’d become a teacher. …
Practical and Applied Research
At Russell Sage College, the focus is on practical and applied research – finding innovative ways to apply classroom knowledge and theory to everyday situations. Students have opportunities to conduct independent research or participate in faculty-sponsored research projects, and may present their work at the annual graduate and undergraduate research symposiums.

Accreditation
Russell Sage College is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The programs in our Professional Education and Educational Leadership Departments have been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through June 30, 2028. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.
Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Visit aaqep.org for more information.
- Bachelor of Science, Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Science, Physical Education
- Master of Science in Education, Literacy Education
- Master of Science in Education, Special Education
- Master of Science, Childhood and Special Education
- Master of Science, Childhood and Literacy Education
- Master of Science, Literacy and Special Education
- Master of Science, School Health Education
- Master of Science, Professional School Counseling
- Master of Science, Professional School Counseling with Counseling Services
- Master of Science, Professional School Counseling with Inclusive Practices
- Advanced Certification, Professional School Counseling
- Advanced Certification, Instructional Leadership (School Building Leader/School District Leader)
- Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership
Resources for Becoming a Teacher in New York from TeachNY
Everything you need to become a New York teacher in one place—and all for free. Sign up with TeachNY to access:
- 1-on-1 expert advice and group coaching sessions all about becoming a certified New York teacher.
- Custom tips, how-to guides, and resume templates for applying to Russell Sage.
- $100 fee reimbursements when it comes time to apply.
- Exclusive scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
- Unique resources for future educators of color.

Are You A Teacher Seeking Continuing Education Courses?
Our partnership with Virtual Education Software (VESi) offers an array of affordable online continuing education courses for K-12 educators. These courses can be used toward continuing education requirements or to obtain an additional certification through an individual pathway.

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