SUNY Oswego has a range of initial and professional certification programs in teaching, school counseling, school psychology, and educational administration at the undergraduate and graduate levels. All programs are approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Board of Regents and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). We also offer various programs leading to other national certifications (e.g., mental health counseling and wellness).
New York State Certification Requirements
Graduating from many of the School of Education programs fulfills the academic requirements of teacher or pupil personnel certification in New York State. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) offers a variety of certifications and pathways to becoming certified.
New York State Certification Requirements
Meeting Certification while Completing Your Program
Required Workshops
The New York State Education Department requires seven workshops to be completed for certification eligibility. Candidates typically satisfy this requirement before graduation as programs require these workshops before candidates complete field experiences. The workshops are offered at SUNY Oswego for students to register through the normal course registration process. The two courses, SSHS 1020 Safe School Healthy Students and DASA 1020 Dignity for All Students Act cover all seven workshops. Teacher preparation programs, School Counseling, and School Psychology require all seven workshops; Educational Administration CAS requires DASA 1020.
Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting clearance is one of the requirements of the New York State Education Department for certification. Many of the school districts SUNY Oswego candidates are placed in are now requesting candidates complete the fingerprinting process before placements being approved. Although not required, it is recommended candidates complete the fingerprinting process one semester before placement.
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New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE)
Initial teaching certification in New York typically requires three examinations: Content Speciality Test, Educating All Students, and subject-specific edTPA. Educational leaders, school counselors, and school psychologists also require examinations for certification. While many of our programs do not require candidates to complete state testing requirements before graduation, many candidates choose to do so.
Additional Information and Resources
The Associate Registrar acts as the Certification Officer on behalf of the Dean of the School of Education for all NYSED certification programs and recommends program completers for the appropriate certification upon completing an approved teacher preparation, school counseling, and school psychology or educational administrative program.