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Master's for English (ELA) Teachers

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

Guaranteed 65% scholarship

Online learning options

Teach the school year following enrollment

Program overview

Few careers give people the opportunity to impact individuals and their communities like teaching. Can you think of an English teacher who made a difference in your life? Would you like to become that kind of teacher? Warner will prepare you to become an innovative English language arts (ELA) teacher, empowered and able to help all students succeed.

Our teacher preparation programs offer the shortest path to NYS initial and professional teaching certification and a guaranteed 65% tuition scholarship.

All of the master's degree programs described below prepare candidates for NYS initial and professional teaching certification in Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12) as a Specialist in English Language Arts (ELA) and are offered at the graduate level only. If you want to complete the master’s program leading to initial teaching certification full-time in 15 months, you must start the program in the summer. 

Key program features

  • Meets All Coursework and Internship Requirements for BOTH Initial and Professional NYS Teaching Certification: In addition, you will need to pass the required state exams and complete the teaching requirements for professional certification.
  • Shortest Program: Preservice teachers can complete the program in 15 months of full-time study (if starting in summer); certified teachers seeking additional certification in ELA may require less time.
  • Focus on ELA Education: Includes four courses as well as internships (taken concurrently with English methods courses) that are specific to teaching English language arts.
  • Focus on Teaching ALL Students: Includes courses on diversity, students with disabilities, and English language learners (ELLs); these required courses may be transferred in for certified teachers.
  • Preparing for Technology-Rich Schools: Includes hybrid-online coursework in technology-rich teaching; options exist to take some courses online to experience this learning modality.
  • Option to Add Specializations: With only a few additional credits required, you can pursue additional NYS certifications or advanced certificates that can strengthen your effectiveness with diverse learners and make you more marketable.

Prerequisites (as required by NYS)

  • A minimum of 30 credits of coursework in English language arts.
  • Undergraduate degree in a liberal art (BA) or science (BS).

Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid

Guaranteed 65% tuition savings

Byron Williams Teaching Scholarships

Questions?

Certification options

Choose a certification to earn in addition to your degree.
What certification do you need? Learn more

Initial & Professional Certification

39 credits, including field experiences and two student teaching experiences. Coursework for the master's degree in adolescence education: English (grades 7-12).

Professional Certification Only

Our most flexible option, including 12 credits of electives; allows for possible addition of Advanced Certificates in Digitally-Rich Teaching or Urban Teaching & Leadership, or taking some leadership courses that provide a jump start toward school leadership certification. Coursework for the master’s degree in professional study: adolescence education (English 7-12).

For current teachers with a master's degree

Fastest path; as few as 11 credits, including specialization courses, plus 50 contact hours of field experiences. Coursework for the advanced certificate in adolescence education: English.  

For current teachers

32 credits, including 50 contact hours of field experiences; also leads to NYS professional teaching certification in your original area of certification. Coursework for the master's degree in adolescence education: English (grades 7 to 12). 

Non-certification

A more flexible 30-credit master’s program not leading to NYS certification, for those interested in teaching literacy and English language arts in learning environments other than NYS public K-12 schools. These could include: independent, private or charter schools; community colleges; professional or technical schools; colleges and universities outside of the United States; or a variety of other, more informal settings. Coursework for the master's degree in literacy education (non-teacher certification)

Advanced Certificate in Adolescence Education: English

For current teachers w/ Master’s degree

Fastest path; as few as 11 credits, including specialization courses plus 50 contact hours of field experiences. Coursework for the advanced certificate in adolescence education: English (grades 7-12). 

Opportunities for additional specializations

In addition to taking the core program, students may want to consider supplementing their program to achieve other goals and pursue additional certification. Each option enhancement has specific prerequisites and/or course requirements.

  • Additional Advanced Certificate in Digitally-Rich Teaching in K-12 Schools
  • Advanced Certificate in Online Teaching
  • Advanced Certificate in Program Evaluation
  • Advanced Certificate in Teacher Leadership

Customize your degree

Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

University of Rochester Teacher Residency Programs

ROC Urban Teaching Fellows Program and Monroe Regional Teacher Residency Consortium are a paid teacher residency programs designed to collaboratively prepare and sustain skilled teachers to effectively serve the varied needs of students, families, and school communities.

  • 1 year paid teacher residency while studying
  • $15,000 toward tuition
  • Earn your Master's in Teaching with Initial Certification
Teacher and young student smiling in classroom

Program Director

Valerie Marsh

Associate Professor (Clinical), Assistant Director Center for Urban Education Success, Director GRADE Program

Contact admissions

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Take a course before you apply

Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.

Related certificates and degrees

Related Advanced Certificates

Opportunities for additional specializations with minimum additional credits required.

  • NYS Certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities
  • Advanced Certificate in Urban Teaching and Leadership
  • Advanced Certificate in Digitally-Rich Teaching
  • NYS Certification in TESOL
  • Advanced Certificate in Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities (10 credits)

Related degrees

  • MS in Reading & Literacy
  • Doctoral Programs Focusing on English Education
  • GRADE Program for Undergraduate Applicants

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