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The Power in Positive Ed
Well-being matters, and today’s students and teachers need the tools to manage today’s world.
That’s why Russell Sage College became the first college in the nation to partner with The Center for Positive Education. Each student in the Esteves School of Education graduates with training in Positive Education, and Russell Sage will extend the training to the greater education community with professional development opportunities.
Program Distinctions
This combined Childhood Education/Literacy Specialist master’s degree program stands out due to its focus on best practices and digital literacy. You’ll learn how to teach in a face-to-face format as well as remotely, getting experience teaching general education students and diverse, at-risk urban learners alike. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to become New York State-certified in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Literacy Specialist (All Grades) upon successfully completing the Content Specialty tests and edTPA.
Course Requirements
Our Childhood Education/Literacy Specialist master’s degree is 45 credits and can be completed in two-and-a-half-years by taking nine credits a semester, summer, fall, and spring semesters.
You’ll learn strategies to teach all core subject areas (grades 1-6) and literacy content for all grades, from teaching emergent readers and writers to providing content-area instruction for general education students. You’ll also work in assessment teams to diagnose and develop an instructional plan for a student reading and/or writing significantly below grade level.
You’ll develop, implement and evaluate units of study and lesson plans that are aligned to appropriate standards;
learn to use assessment to inform instructional decisions;
and learn best practices for technology to aid you in the classroom.
Easily Apply
Rolling admission, so apply anytime, and begin in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Applicants should submit:
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- One letter of recommendation
- A one- to two-page career goals essay
- GRE scores are not required
Personal Advising, Experienced Faculty
Our master’s program comes with a deep, Russell Sage-level of support from an assigned faculty advisor who works with you to ensure your success.
Peter Stapleton, Ph.D., “Russell Sage College and the Esteves School of Education act as leaders in teacher education, not just in the Capital District but in New York State”
Assistant Professor of Education
Careers with a Master’s in Childhood Education/ Literacy Specialist
When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to become New York State-certified in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Literacy Specialist (All Grades) upon successfully completing the Content Specialty tests and edTPA.
Spotlights
Meet some alumni of our graduate Education programs.