Our program prepares students to become skilled and reflective teachers who can effectively respond to the learning needs of diverse learners, and create supportive and intellectually stimulating classroom communities. We are committed to strengthening public education and addressing issues of equity and social justice, particularly in urban schools.

The program is open to all undergraduates at Columbia (BC, Fu, GS, CC) who are interested in becoming certified teachers, working with young people in human service agencies, or preparing for careers related to education.

Students develop a critical lens for looking at the issues facing public schooling, learn to create innovative curriculum, gain experience observing, tutoring and teaching a diverse range of children and young people, develop confidence in their role as teachers who can promote fair and inclusive school practices, and graduate with certification to teach in New York. (Note: we are part of an interstate agreement for reciprocal certification with 41 other states.)

We are registered by the New York State Department of Education and accredited by the New York State Regents.