SUNY Potdam

Contact Persons:

For application and enrollment information, contact:
Peter Cutler, Graduate Admissions Counselor
Satterlee 117, (315) 267-2165, or 1-800-458-1142, ext. 1 (graduate@potsdam.edu)

 
For program information, contact:
Sergei Abramovich, Program Coordinator
Satterlee 210, (315) 267-2541 (abramovs@potsdam.edu)

Donna Sharkey, Assistant Professor, Ottawa
(sharkedi@potsdam.edu)

Shelley Jones, Assistant Professor, Ottawa
(jonessk@potsdam.edu)

The Master of Science in Teaching degree in Childhood Instruction, leading to Ontario certification at the Primary/Junior Division levels, is a part-time program, with the exception of the final practicum semester, which requires full-time commitment.  The program of studies will take, at the most, 8 semesters to complete. Classes are in the Ottawa area.

The program has been approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, and it is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers. This program was designed to be in accordance with the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession of the Ontario College of Teachers, and the Curriculum Policies  and literacy and numeracy initiatives of the Ontario Ministry of Education. 

Important Dates
Candidates for this program may begin study only in the fall semester.

Information Session
Spring, exact time to be arranged

Requirements for Full Admission

1. Submission of an official transcript of an earned baccalaureate degree in an appropriate academic discipline from an accredited college or university.
2. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in the most recent 60 semester hours of undergraduate study (based on a scale of A=4.0).
3. A letter of intent written by the applicant expressing professional goals as applied to the program.
4. Submission of three letters of recommendation on the required forms, including one which focuses on teaching potential and two from previous professors, if possible, which focus on academic ability.
5. A non-refundable processing fee of $50 (U.S. funds).
6. Successful completion of prerequisite academic courses with a grade of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in each of the following required areas:
   

• Communications – at least six credit hours in coursework related to listening, reading, writing (composition), speaking (public), information retrieval, critical analysis, expression, and evaluation.
• Concepts in history – at least three credit hours in coursework related to Canadian history, world history, and history of Ontario.
• Social Studies – at least six credit hours, from two different areas, in coursework related to geography, economics, civics, citizenship, and government.
• Humanities – at least three credit hours in coursework related to Children’s Literature.
• Language other than English – at least six credit hours in coursework related to modern languages.
• Science Processes – at least six credit hours from two different areas, including one with a lab, in coursework related to physical and life sciences.
• Math Processes – at least six credit hours in coursework related to number sense and numeration, measurement, geometry and spatial sense, patterning and algebra, data management and probability.
• Technology – at least three credit hours in coursework related to engineering design, tools, resources, and technological processes, computer technology, technological systems, history and evaluation impact, and management.

Program prerequisites may be taken prior to enrollment (as part of the candidate’s undergraduate work or after its completion) or concurrently with the proposed program.  All prerequisites must be completed prior to the student teaching semester. Students should seek prerequisite course approval prior to enrolling in any such course.

Course Requirements

Class Scheduling Information
Students wishing to make continuous progress through the program will enroll in 5-6 credit hours each semester (including summers). Classes are typically scheduled to meet once a week (weekdays, beginning around 5:00) during fall and spring semesters; during the summer session, classes may also be offered in a weekend format. Students must keep in mind that although courses are pursued on a part-time evening/weekend basis for most of the program, the final semester involves a semester-long, full-time placement in Ontario schools, requiring full-time day-time availability and commitment (Monday through Friday). Students are also advised that successful completion of GRCN 664 (Field Experience in JK-6 Education) will require a minimum of 100 clock hours of time spent in a JK-6 classroom during the fall semester preceding Student Teaching (Practicum).