Programs Preparing
Elementary Teachers

Children experience learning during their early years that shapes their views of themselves and the world around them—learning that can affect their later success in school, work, and their personal lives. Our programs prepare highly-qualified, dedicated teachers who play a key role during these formative years in determining the future of their students. They meet children of all backgrounds where they are and support their success along the way.

Whether in private or public elementary schools across the world, or other informal learning settings, our graduates provide the tools and the environment for children to develop into responsible adults. Their students use various subjects, like math and literacy, as a way to make sense of the social and scientific world. And, their students bring rich and meaningful experiences to school that become valuable resources for curriculum development. Our graduates learn how to develop appropriate curriculum and instructional strategies for meeting the diverse learning needs of all children. Throughout the program, they approach curricular and pedagogical decisions as thoughtful practitioners with knowledge of social, historical, cultural, and political contexts of schooling and curriculum.

Our graduates are critically reflective practitioners who are committed to social justice, equity, and school reform. They have a deep understanding of the subjects they teach and the skills and understanding of teaching, learning, and development needed to help all students develop their potential. We prepare elementary teachers who lead efforts to advocate for full inclusion for students with disabilities in general education classrooms as part of their efforts to reform schools. And, they keep learning organic and teaching creative in the face of increasing demands.

A more flexible 30-credit master’s program not leading to NYS certification, for those interested in teaching elementary-age children in learning environments other than NYS public K-12 schools. These could include: independent, private or charter schools, community colleges, professional schools, schools, colleges and universities outside the United States, or a variety of other, more informal settings (such as after-school programs, enrichment programs, summer camps, etc.).

Check program-specific requirements for our MS in Elementary Education (GA2).

Warner offers both EdD and PhD programs that can be customized to include a focus on elementary/childhood education, by:

• Choosing elementary/childhood education courses for program core choices and electives.
• Constructing independent studies and projects in research methods courses related to elementary/childhood education.
• Conducting a dissertation project in the field of elementary/childhood education, sponsored by a faculty member with expertise in elementary/childhood education research and practice.

Learn more about our doctoral programs in teaching.

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While Warner offers teacher preparation programs only at the graduate level, interested undergraduate students can achieve early admission to Warner and start taking some courses to get a significant jump on their degree. Contact admissions for more information.

If you are a high school student looking for colleges that will allow you to become a NYS certified teacher in five years, while also completing a rigorous liberal arts undergraduate major, you should consider our GRADE program. Offered by Warner in partnership with the University of Rochester's College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering, this program allows undergraduate applicants to be directly admitted to graduate studies at the Warner School. This provides them the opportunity to anticipate some of their graduate coursework and engage in experiences that can help them decide if teaching is indeed for them. For more information, visit the GRADE Program page on the UR Undergraduate Admissions website.