SUNY Potsdam

Student Teaching for Music Education Candidates
The Music Education curriculum is the only music program that includes an approved professional sequence of courses leading to New York State Initial Certification for teaching music. Student teaching is a College-supervised experience in participating schools located in several areas of New York State.

Since the student teaching experience is considered a full-time commitment the following regulations will apply: 

1. No simultaneous coursework is permitted during the student teaching assignment.
2. Any employment during the student teaching assignment must be approved by the Sponsor Teacher and the Student Teaching Supervisor, and notification given to the Co-Chair of Music Education for Student Programs.
3. Any volunteer activities which could interfere with the student teaching assignment must be approved by the Sponsor Teacher and the Student Teaching Supervisor, and notification given to the Co-Chair of Music Education for Student Programs.
4. Participation in ensembles, performances, lessons, and competitions during the student teaching assignment requires the permission (inadvance) of the Co-Chair of Music Education for Student Programs, the Sponsor Teacher and the Student Teaching Supervisor.

Student Teaching in Music is a full semester course consisting, in most cases, of two distinctly different teaching experiences. These experiences must include contact with elementary students (K-6) and secondary students (7-12). A grade of S/U is issued for the semester’s work. For details about planning for student teaching, see The Crane School of Music Academic Information Supplement and the Crane Student Teaching Handbook.

Application for Teacher Certification
All applicants for teacher certification are required to file an official State application for teacher certification before being recommended by the College for an Initial certificate. Applications must be completed on-line at: www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/teach.

In addition to successful completion of the Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education, the New York State Education Department requires that applicants for initial teaching certification pass the following NYS Teacher Certification Exams: Liberal Arts and Sciences Test, Content Specially Test in Music, and the Assessment of Teaching skills – Written. Student planning to become teachers in New York are required to complete 100 hours of pre-student teaching field experience and complete the fingerprint clearance process. In order to receive Institutional recommendation for certification, a grade of 2.0 or higher is required in the following courses: HLTH 230 School Health, EDLS 307 Literacy Education in the Arts Disciplines, and PSYC 220 Child Development.