Early childhood teachers create a more equitable society

Binghamton University is consistently ranked among the top 50 best public colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. As a premier university in the northeast, Binghamton is renowned for its academic excellence, research and value. Students from over 100 countries choose Binghamton because they know it’s one of the few American universities that emphasize meaningful cultural and intellectual exchange. 

Binghamton University is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, and is located in the Southern Tier of upstate New York. The campus is situated on 930 acres of land, and is conveniently just a few hours from major urban centers such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Childhood and Early Childhood Education (CEC)

Binghamton University’s initial preparation (pre-service) program in Childhood and Early Childhood Education (CEC) leads to a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and eligibility for multiple New York state (NYS) teaching certifications, while allowing students to work with children from birth through grade six (B-6) in a number of different roles. 

Three pathways toward a master’s degree are offered: 

1. Childhood, Early Childhood and Literacy Education (CEC-LTRC) 

¬ Eligibility for NYS certification in Early Childhood (B-2), Childhood (1- 6) and Literacy Education (B-6)

     2. Childhood, Early Childhood and Special Education (CEC-SPED) 

¬ Eligibility for NYS certification in Early Childhood (B-2), Childhood (1- 6), Special Education (B-2) and Special Education (1-6) 

3. Childhood, Early Childhood and TESOL (CEC-TESOL) 

¬ Eligibility for NYS certification in Early Childhood (B-2), Childhood (1- 6), and TESOL (PK-12) 

The programs in Literacy Education provide academic study and supervised field experiences and internships at the elementary or secondary school levels for students holding New York state initial certification in early childhood education, childhood education, special education, (or speech/language), ESL or a grade 7-12 academic subject. Individuals are prepared to assume leadership roles as competent and qualified literacy teachers, specialists and consultants. 

Binghamton University’s advanced (in-service) programs in Special Education lead to a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and eligibility for New York state teaching certification at three respective grade levels: birth-grade 2, grades 1-6 and grades 7-12. 

The programs in Special Education provide knowledge and skills to fulfill various special educator roles in today's schools and communities. Sufficient flexibility exists for graduates of early childhood, childhood, adolescence or special education undergraduate programs to deepen their skills in the field, link special education programs and services to the broader context of general education, and extend their knowledge and skills to work more effectively with students with disabilities. 

Our CEC TESOL program enables completers to teach English to speakers of other languages in pre-K to grade 12 settings. The curriculum includes educational theories, second language acquisition, language and literacy development and methods and assessment for English language learners in various school settings. 

Student teaching 

Throughout their preparation, teacher candidates must complete classroom-based field experiences. These field experiences provide students with opportunities to apply instructional and leadership techniques learned in coursework in a classroom, school, or community setting. 

The field experience office coordinates these opportunities. Staff members collaborate with local school and community partners to identify meaningful and relevant placements with exceptional mentor teachers, allowing teacher candidates to gain diverse learning experiences in multiple settings. There are urban, suburban and rural schools in close proximity where student teaching opportunities are available 

Substitutes with a Purpose (SWAP) Program 

This unique opportunity allows students to complete necessary fieldwork requirements while receiving compensation to substitute teach. Through this program, students will establish connections and relationships with local school districts, gain experience by providing instruction, and manage the learning environment.

Alumni Highlights

Gavin Boehm, a TLEL MAT English alumnus and Union-Endicott teacher, was recently appointed to serve as a member of the Achievement Award in Writing Advisory 

Committee for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Read about his exciting accomplishment here. 

Rachel Murat, a TLEL MAT Social Studies alumna and Maine-Endwell teacher, was named the 2020 New York State Teacher of the Year. Read about her story here.

Financing your education

Graduate students at Binghamton University obtain financial support from a variety of sources, including loans, grants, assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, research and travel funding, Federal Work Study, and part-time employment. Many students in the Student Affairs Administration program pursue Division of Student Affairs graduate assistantships, which allow students to earn stipends while gaining professional experience in an on-campus office or department. Learn more> 

Email address 

tlel@binghamton.edu 

Request information 

Mailing address 

Matthew McConn, Chair Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership Academic B, Room 133 Binghamton University 4400 Vestal Parkway Vestal, NY 13850