Great Dane Teacher Pathway

Thinking about a career in teaching?

Through the Great Dane Teacher Pathway (GDTP), you can become a teacher in the way that works best for you.

Three Pathways - One Great Destination
Teacher Education Major (Bachelor's)

As an undergraduate student, you can apply to declare your teacher education major after completing 24 credits (sophomore status) with a 3.0. Select one from the options below.


To be an early or elementary teacher:

  • Major in the BS Early Childhood/Childhood Education program
  • Earn certification in Early Childhood (Birth to Grade 2) and Childhood (Grades 1-6)

OR

  • Major in the BS Childhood and Special Education
  • Earn certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Special Education (All Grades)
     

To be a secondary teacher:

  • Major in the BS Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12) 
  • Earn certification in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Math, Physics, Social Studies, or Spanish
     

Upon your BS graduation, apply for New York State initial teaching certification. Then, pursue an MS to maintain your NYS teaching certification.

Combined Program (Bachelor's + Master's)

A bachelor's + master's program or a combined program, means that you can pursue an accelerated admissions pathway to a master's degree in education and New York State teacher certification. If admitted to an eligible master's program, you’ll use your time as an undergraduate to become an expert in your content area. Then, through graduate coursework, gain the knowledge and experience needed for a career as a teacher. By incorporating up to 12 credits of master's coursework into your undergraduate degree, you’ll save money by paying the undergraduate tuition rate and save course time by completing part of your master's program before you graduate. We currently have twelve combined degrees as part of the GDTP. 


If you want to be an elementary teacher:

  • As an undergraduate, major in Human Development with a concentration in Special and Elementary Education and Literacy
  • In your junior or senior year, apply to the MS Special Education and Literacy II to start your graduate degree early

    BS Human Development/MS Special Education and Literacy (II)


If you want to be a secondary teacher:


Upon your MS graduation, apply for New York State initial teaching certification.

Master's Program

If you want to be an elementary teacher:

  • Apply to the MS in Special Education and Literacy II (SE/LIT II) program
  • Earn triple certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), Special Education (All Grades), and Literacy (All Grades)


If you want to be a secondary teacher:

  • Apply to the MS in Secondary Education (MSSE) program
  • Earn certification in (Grades 7-12) subject area: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Math, Physics, Social Studies, or Spanish


Complete the SE/Lit II in 2 years or the MSSE in ~18 months. Upon your MS graduation, apply for New York State initial teaching certification. 

Check out this downloadable chart about Becoming a Teacher at UAlbany which summarizes your GDTP options. 

Looking for more information or have other questions? We would love to hear from you! You can email our Pathways Into Education Center at [email protected] or find our Zoom office hours here.