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Teaching Assistant Certificate

The Program (HEGIS Code 5503)

The Teaching Assistant program emphasizes essential communication skills such as composition, reading and public speaking; child development; and the background for historical and mathematical concepts. This program fulfills the academic requirements of 80-5.6 of the NYS Commissioner’s Regulations for Teaching Assistants. Additionally, all certificate requirements also apply to Jefferson’s two-year A.A. Childhood Education degree program and provide a smooth transition to baccalaureate level education programs.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Teaching Assistant Certificate program will:

  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively for diverse purposes and audiences, and the ability to find, evaluate, and credit accurately authoritative sources.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the history, conventions, and best practices within the field of education.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of major milestones and principles of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development in childhood.

Career Opportunities

Individuals employed as teaching assistants provide both instructional services to students and clerical support for certified classroom teachers. General duties of teaching assistants may include tutoring students, assisting students with available resources, working with pupils on specialized projects, and providing students with individualized attention. Teaching assistants may also correct and grade tests, maintain files and records, and assist with developing instructional materials. Teaching assistants are employed at all grade levels.

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of Teaching Assistants is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014. Regionally, earnings for entry to mid-level positions currently range from $12,500 to $23,600.

 

Certificate Requirements (Effective Fall 2014)
Credit Hours
   
Requirements (24-25 Credit Hours)  
ENG 101: Research and Composition  3
ENG 102: Literature and Composition 3
PSY 133: Introduction to Psychology 3
PSY 220: Child and Adolescent Development 3
HIS 150: American History to 1877 or HIS 151: American History 1877-Present 3
STA 151: Public Speaking     3
MTH 148: Mathematical Reasoning for Elementary Teachers 1 3-4
EDU 210: Principles of Education   3
   
TOTAL 24-25

Note:
*All certificate requirements also apply to Jefferson’s A.A. Childhood Education degree program.

 

For More Information

Heather O'Brien, Associate Professor of Mathematics
hobrien@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2337

Jeri Fairman, Associate Vice President for Liberal Arts Division
jfairman@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-6542

Application and Admissions Information
Office of Admissions
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2277 or Toll Free 1-888-435-6522