As an undergraduate student in the educator preparation program at St. John’s University, you’ll complete a mix of coursework and hands-on experiences, including your core classes, interdisciplinary courses and education-specific classes.

Toward the end of your program, you’ll take part in student teaching, working one-on-one with students in a classroom under the guidance of an experienced mentor teacher.

At St. John’s University’s School of Education, you’ll get the skills, knowledge and real classroom experience you need to become a confident and caring teacher. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• Start your teaching journey with a strong foundation in teaching skills and a focus on helping your community
• Spend time in schools and classrooms throughout your program, getting real-world experience
• Take part in a full-year student teaching immersion with a university professor in a partner school
• Get guidance and support from both your professor and your mentor teacher
• See how what you learn in class comes to life in real classrooms

At St. John’s University, students in the School of Education gain hands-on classroom experience. For example, one secondary school just a mile from campus recently welcomed students from Syria and Afghanistan who spoke little or no English and had limited experience in formal classrooms.

As a student, you will:

• Support students facing economic and academic challenges, such as adjusting to a new school system
• Work one-on-one with English language learners and students with interrupted education
• Apply your teaching skills in real classrooms, helping students with lessons and projects
• Build a strong reputation with local schools, which can open doors to future job opportunities

St. John’s University’s teacher certification programs give students learning experiences that meet—and often exceed—New York State standards. Throughout the program, you’ll have regular checkpoints and mentorship to help you build teaching skills, an ethic of care and strong subject area knowledge. Common assessments provide professors and administrators with insight into your growth in instructional skills, social responsibility and your commitment to serving both local and global communities.

At St. John’s University, the School of Education partners with schools across New York City and its suburbs to give students hands-on learning in real classrooms. These partnerships are designed to provide high-quality, meaningful experiences.

Students can:

• Gain experience in public, charter and parochial schools nearby
• Work in high-need schools with supportive administrators and experienced mentor teachers
• Access a variety of classroom settings for diverse learning opportunities
• Participate in partnerships that are closely monitored to ensure quality and impact