Teacher's Certification Online FAQs

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM

Teacher Certification (Online)

FAQs Early Childhood and Childhood (Birth – Grade 6 — NYS; Primary/Junior Grades) Middle Childhood and Adolescence (Grades 5-12 — NYS; Intermediate/Senior Grades)

grad-ed@niagara.edu 716.286.8547

www.niagara.edu/graduate-teacher-education

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAMS OFFERED? Niagara University offers Elementary (Birth-6) Certification and Secondary (5-12) Certification. Upon completion of the program, students will hold a master’s of science in education degree.

WHEN CAN I START THE PROGRAM? Niagara University offers three entry points into the program: Fall (August), Spring (January), or Summer (May).

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM AND HOW MANY DAYS PER WEEK IS IT? The program requires 39 credit hours and takes three full semesters to complete. Courses are completed fully online with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous course offerings.

Coursework is kept to two consecutive days per week. You must also factor in time for your field experiences. The final semester includes the student teaching placement/practicum and requires a full-time commitment.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING? Niagara University has a rolling admissions policy. Applications are considered as they are received and evaluated in a holistic fashion in keeping with the mission of the university. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application will be considered. Qualified students will continue to be accepted until the program is full. Please note programs may fill up without advance notice.

WHAT IS THE COST OF TUITION FOR THE PROGRAM? The total program cost for the 2023-24 academic year: $31,980 USD 39 credit hours x $820 USD per credit hour = $31,980 USD *Cost for Canadian Bridge courses: additional $150 BESIDES TUITION, ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL FEES? There is a one time $100 USD registration fee & comprehensive exam fee and a Chalk and Wire electronic portfolio fee of $110 USD applied to the first semester only. Niagara University participates in First Books which charges graduate students $42/course for rental textbooks. Students may choose to opt out and purchase their own books.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY? A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission. The degree conferral date should be posted on the final transcript you submit. If you are currently finishing your bachelor's degree, an official in progress transcript should be submitted, and a conferred transcript will be required at a later time if you are accepted into the program.

Additional requirements include a statement of intent, two references, and official test scores from within the last 6 years (GRE, SAT, ACT or Accuplacer Assessment). A resume and/or experience profile is optional. Reference contact information can be inputted directly into your application. Our application system will send an automated email requesting them to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Your statement of intent, resume, unofficial test scores and unofficial transcript(s) can be uploaded into your application as a Word or PDF document. Official transcripts and test scores can be emailed (preferred) directly to us from your previous institution to grad-ed@niagara.edu or mailed to the address listed below: Niagara University Graduate Education Office Academic Complex, Room 221 5795 Lewiston Rd. Niagara University, N.Y. 14109

WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE A FORM OF GRADUATE TESTING TO SUBMIT? Niagara University offers the Accuplacer assessment as a testing option. The Accuplacer is a remotely-proctored exam that can be taken on your home computer and scheduled at any time. The exam is untimed and tests your knowledge of arithmetic, reading, and writing. The arithmetic and reading sections include 20 multiple choice questions, and the writing section includes 25 multiple choice questions. There is a proctoring fee of $25 USD. Practice materials are available online: https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students/prepare-for-accuplacer/practice.

Vouchers for the exam are issued via email once your graduate application is submitted. To request a voucher, please email grad-ed@niagara.edu.

WHAT IF I AM “IN PROGRESS” WITH A SCHEDULED GRADUATION DATE? Individuals who are still students and currently “in progress” with a graduation date planned before the start of Niagara University’s program need to indicate this on their application. Also, an official letter from the college/university should be submitted to verify your planned graduation date. The “in progress” letter is provided by the registrar or academic department.

Please submit with your application the “in progress” letter and current transcript showing classes you are currently enrolled in. A final transcript will be required once your degree is conferred and posted.

Additional FAQ’s for Canadian and International Students WHAT ARE THE TEACHABLES FOR SECONDARY EDUCATION THAT NIAGARA UNIVERSITY OFFERS?* • Business Studies – Accounting • Business Studies – Entrepreneurship • Business Studies – General • Business Studies – Information and Communication Technology • Computer Studies • Dramatic Arts (second only) • Economics • English • French as a Second Language • Geography • History • International Languages

• International Languages – Arabic • International Languages – Italian • International Languages – Mandarin • International Languages – Spanish • Mathematics • Politics • Religious Education in Catholic Schools • Science – General • Science – Biology • Science – Chemistry • Social Science – General

*Two teachables are required for students seeking certification in Ontario WHERE IS NIAGARA UNIVERSITY LOCATED? Niagara University is located in the Town of Lewiston, N.Y. It stands atop the picturesque Niagara River Gorge, four miles from the world-famous Niagara Falls and overlooks the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Queenston-Lewiston Bridge is only one mile from Niagara University.

Niagara University is located outside of the Buffalo/Lake Erie snow belt and receives substantially less snow than the metroplex in the winter.

HOW DO I GET TO THE CAMPUS FROM ONTARIO? • Take the QEW towards Niagara • Once you pass over the St. Catharine’s Skyway you will want to get over in the left lane • Take the HWY-405 exit towards Queenston, exit #37 • Continue on to the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (You can see Niagara University from the bridge off on your right hand side.)

• After customs proceed to the far right hand lane and take the first right hand turn which is the first exit toward RT-104/ R. MOSES PKWY/ Lewiston • Take the RT-104 West ramp • Turn slight right onto Lewiston Rd / NY-104 West • Turn left onto University Dr. • The College of Education is located in the Academic Complex, Room 225 CAN I BE CERTIFIED TO TEACH IN ONTARIO AFTER COMPLETING THE MASTER’S PROGRAM? Successful completion of this 39 credit-hour program leads to certification in New York State. It is important to note that Canadian students must first obtain NYS certification in order to be eligible to apply for certification with conditions in Ontario.

Candidates will then have five years to complete additional course work to meet the 60 credit-hour requirement for permanent certification in Ontario. This can be achieved by taking three schedule C AQ (Additional Qualification) courses within a five year timeframe, which can be fulfilled while working as an O.C.T qualified teacher.

Resources: www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher/internationally-educated-teachers.

CAN I APPLY WHILE WAITING TO TAKE THE TOEFL OR IELTS? Yes, you may apply while waiting for a scheduled exam. However, conditional admission is not provided to international students. We must receive your scores before official admission decisions will be made.

WHAT IS YOUR INSTITUTIONAL CODE SO THAT TOEFL CAN SEND NIAGARA UNIVERSITY THE SCORE DIRECTLY? The TOEFL code for Niagara University is 2558.

HOW DO U.S. COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY CREDIT HOURS EQUATE TO CANADA? U.S. college courses are semester-based and are worth three college/university credit hours/units and usually equal .5 credit at Canadian institutions (though some Canadian institutions are on the hour system). Many Canadian courses are full year, which would equate to six credit hours. Six full year courses (or 12 half-credits) would equate to 36 college/university credit hours in the U.S. HOW MANY CREDITS DO I NEED IN MY FIRST TEACHABLE AND SECOND TEACHABLE IF I WANT TO TEACH SECONDARY? The first specific teachable area requires what constitutes a major in that discipline, generally between six full year courses (12 half-year courses). The second teachable area requires what constitutes a minor in that discipline, generally three full year courses (six half-year courses).

DOES IT MATTER IF I ONLY HAVE THREE YEAR BACHELORS DEGREE IN CANADA? A bachelors degree is required for the program. An honors is not necessary, thus a three year bachelor’s degree will satisfy admission requirements.

DO I GET TO PICK MY SCHEDULE? Since the program is cohort-based, your schedule is assigned.

Cohort based programs are programs in which candidates attend courses and field experiences as a specific group earning their degree together in professional learning community. A cohort approach takes a diverse group of students, and builds a community of teacher-learners by structuring their class schedules together in a way that emphasizes collegiality. The learning of each individual will assist the learning of others; the accomplishments of one should help all. This adds to the peer support that candidates experience within their group while at Niagara University, in field experiences, student teaching, and later as alumni.

WHAT IS THE FIELD EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT OF THE PROGRAM? Field experiences are designed to provide practical experience in various types of schools, learning environments, grade levels (as they apply to the certificate), and in the diversity of the students population in classrooms. The following field experiences are embedded into the program. Canadian students may opt to complete all of the field experience hours locally.

IMPACT Placement — (75 hours) Early field experience that gives students the opportunity to experience the classroom from a teacher's perspective.

Teaching Assistantship Experience — (75 hours) These placements involve teacher candidates working with students in local schools.

Student Teaching Practicum — Two full-time placements. Each placement will address a different grade level to provide students with a variety of experiences. The Office of Student Teaching facilitates placement and works with numerous school districts and boards locally, nationally and internationally.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITE COURSE REQUIREMENTS? For elementary education, you will need a course in math, science, social studies, and English from an accredited college or university. Prerequisite courses can be taken at accredited universities, colleges, or community colleges. Institutions are now offering flexible formatting of classes, express classes, staggered starts, intersession classes, distance education and online classes, etc. If the course is taken at a college/community college it needs to be for college-level credit. Upon completion of required coursework, official transcripts (with credits at least three hours/units or .5 credits) must be submitted to Niagara University with documentation with the credits and grade/mark earned.

CAN STUDENTS TAKE THE CLEP TEST TO MEET THE PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS? Yes. Credit is awarded for scores of 50 or above on all CLEP examinations. For more information visit the CLEP website – www.collegeboard.com/clep.

WHAT NEW YORK STATE CERTIFICATION TESTS ARE STUDENTS (BOTH U.S. AND ONTARIO) REQUIRED TO TAKE AND PASS FOR CERTIFICATION? Education All Students test (EAS) Content Specialty Test (CST) – Elementary candidates must take both the Birth-2 and 1-6 Multi-Subject CST New York State Certification website – www.nystce.nesinc.com.

WHAT FACILITIES DOES NIAGARA HAVE TO OFFER? • High tech academic classrooms • Family Literacy Center • Model preK-12 classrooms • Comprehensive field experience center

• Collaborative working space • Certification/licensure assistance • Coffee bar and green environment

HOW CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION AND UPCOMING EVENTS? More information pertaining to Niagara’s Teacher Education program can be found online at www.niagara.edu/graduateteacher-education. It is highly recommended that you attend an informational session. Informational sessions, both in Ontario and on the NU campus, will be coming up soon times, dates, and registration information can be found at apply.niagara.edu/portal/graduate-list.

I’VE HEARD THAT NIAGARA UNIVERSITY’S PROGRAM IS ACCREDITED BY CAEP (COUNCIL FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF EDUCATOR PREPARATION), WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? Professional accreditation of preparatory programs is the bedrock upon which all professions (e.g., architecture, engineering, medicine, law) have built their reputations. It assures that those entering the respective field have been suitably prepared to practice through assimilation of a body of knowledge and pre-service practice in the profession. Accreditation of schools of education indicates that the school underwent rigorous external review by professionals, that performance of a teacher candidate in the program has been thoroughly assessed before he or she is recommended for licensure, and that programs meet standards set by the teaching profession at large.

CAEP advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning. CAEP determines which schools, colleges, and departments of education meet rigorous national standards in preparing teachers and other school specialists for the classroom.

For more information about CAEP you can go to www.ncate.org.

WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON FINANCIAL AID? Niagara University Financial Aid office – www.niagara.edu/financialaid Niagara University Scholarship, Employment, and Graduate Assistantship Information – www/niagara.edu/gradaid U.S. students – FAFSA – www.fafsa.ed.gov Canadian students – OSAP – www.osap.gov.on.ca Financial Aid Counselor – 716.286.8686 or email finaid@niagara.edu WHO CAN I CONTACT ABOUT HOUSING? Housing information can be found here: www.niagara.edu/residence-life.

WHO CAN I CONTACT ABOUT TUITION/BURSARY QUESTIONS? Director of Student Accounts – 716.286.8381 or email sao@niagara.edu.

Niagara University’s education program for initial teacher certifications (M.S.Ed.) meet the current requirements of the Ontario College of Teachers, which went into effect September 2015. For more than 30 years, NU has offered certification, training and educational degrees to Ontario educators. Niagara students enjoy a bi-national campus with locations in Toronto, Ontario and right across the border in Niagara Falls, N.Y., USA. Niagara University provides Canadians students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in educational experiences on both sides of the border and to obtain teacher cortication in the United States and in Ontario. Canadian students also have the option of completing their student teaching placements in Ontario or in the U.S. (or both). Niagara’s students earn a nationally recognized masters degree in which they can enroll either in the elementary program (Birth-6) or adolescence program (Grades 5-12).

Upon successful completion of the program and certification requirements, Canadian students will apply to th New York State Department for teacher certification. New York State certification information will then be transferred to the Ontario College of Teachers to prepare initial teacher certification in Ontario.

WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE IF I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT (FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S. OR CANADA)?

International relations – www.niagara.edu/oir

WILL I NEED A PASSPORT? Citizens of Canada are required to present a valid passport in order to enter the Untied States by any means, including by land, sea, and air.

WILL I NEED A STUDENT VISA? No, a student visa is not required unless you plan to complete your field experiences in the United States.

HOW DIFFICULT IS A STUDENT VISA TO OBTAIN? The process for obtaining a VISA is fairly simple and very straightforward. Niagara University has been issuing student VISAs for the decades and our staff is highly responsive to student’s needs.

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE VISA QUESTIONS? Assistant Director of Records — Phone — 716.286.8726 • Fax – 716.286.8733 • records@niagara.edu Records Office – Butler Building – Niagara University, N.Y. 14109 Sarina Munzi (Administrative Assistant - SEVIS Compliance): smunzi@niagara.edu • 716.286.8728 WHAT IS REQUIRED BY IMMIGRATION? Niagara University will send you an application for a student VISA, which will take you about five minutes to fill out. In addition to providing your personal information (e.g. citizenship, date of birth), you will also provide a letter from a financial institution documenting your ability to pay you tuition. You will then fax or mail the application back to Niagara, and then we will prepare your VISA. NU sends the VISA back to you in the mail so that you can present it at the border.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY TEACHER EDUCATION COURSE SEQUENCES Elementary (Primary/Junior) Sequence Total: 39 credit hours Semester One: Foundations (15 credits)

Secondary (Intermediate/Senior) Sequence Total: 39 credit hours Semester One: Foundations (15 credits)

EDU 523

Foundations of Education

EDU 523

Foundations of Education

EDU 536

Human Learning, Development and Motivation

EDU 536

Human Learning, Development and Motivation

EDU 530

Managing Culturally Responsive Classrooms

EDU 530

Managing Culturally Responsive Classrooms

EDU 571

Foundations of Literacy Instructione

EDU 571

Foundations of Literacy Instruction

EDU 595

Introduction to Educational Research

EDU 595

Introduction to Educational Research

*75 Hours Impact Placement

*75 Hours Impact Placement

Semester Two: Methods (15 credits)

Semester Two: Methods (15 credits)

EDU 505

Measurement and evaluation in education

EDU 505

Measurement and evaluation in education

EDU 529

STEM Curricular and methods in the Elementary/Inclusive Classroom

EDU 539

Characteristics of Students with Exceptional Needs

EDU 539

Characteristics of Students with Exceptional Needs

EDU 577

Content Literacy Methods

EDU 760

EDU 576

Language Arts Integration

Methods of Teaching Secondary Education (content specific)

EDU 767

Methods of Teaching Social Studies and Arts in Elementary/Inclusive education

EDU 762-766 Special Methods of Teaching in the Academic Subject Areas of Secondary Education

*75 Hours Teaching Assistantship Practicum

75 hours Teaching Assistantship Practicum

Semester Three: Student Teaching (9 credits)

Semester Three: Student Teaching (9 credits)

EDU 787

Student Teaching in the Elementary Classroom

EDU 781-786 Student Teaching in the Secondary Classroom

EDU 791

Professional Seminar in Elementary Education

EDU 790

Professional Seminar in Secondary School

* Bridge course(s) available for Canadian students to meet certification requirements.

Niagara University reserves the right to make revisions to any or all specifications contained herein and to apply such revisions to current and new students alike. The provisions in this document are to be considered directive in character and not as an irrevocable contract between the student and graduate division.

grad-ed@niagara.edu • 716.286.8547

www.niagara.edu/graduate-teacher-education