Education Program
Why pursue the art of teaching at Cornell?
The structure of Cornell’s block plan, One Course At A Time, creates unique opportunities for future teachers to integrate classroom field experience with your academic training in concentrated doses.
Our Teacher Education Program (approved by the state of Iowa since 1879) and available to pair with majors across your academic interests—is grounded in the liberal arts. Small classes encourage discussion, allow for questions, and foster relationships between faculty and students and between student peers.
As a future educator, you’ll soon learn to develop learning goals and outcomes for your students as you develop your curriculum. Within our program we strive to ensure
- Elementary education majors are prepared for Iowa licensure in grades K-6 and licensure in other states is easily attainable upon program completion
- Secondary education students will meet the teacher licensure requirements for the State of Iowa in multiple endorsement areas and the coursework readily applies to other states
- Your coursework prepares you for graduate work in education-related fields, such as school counseling, education policy, reading specialists, and instructional design
Why is the block plan ideal for education majors?
Cornell Summer Research Institute: Children's Fitness
Carissa Meis, an education student, and her peers worked with kinesiology professor Lewis Kanyiba on a summer research project to examine playgrounds and how they enhance children's physical fitness.
Meis sees this research as a tool she will take with her into a teaching career in elementary education to advocate for children.
Education courses and certifications
There are many pathways for education students at Cornell, and it’s our hope you will explore several to determine which is the best fit for you. The education program does have a rigorous schedule, so all program candidates start their first year at Cornell by taking EDU 215, Educational Psychology, and one additional 200 level course to set the groundwork for your degree.
| Path | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Post-graduation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | EDU 215 EDU 2XX |
Declaration of major Apply to Teacher Education Program |
Coursework and practicums | Apply for K-5 licensure in Iowa and other States | |
| Secondary Education | EDU 215 EDU 2XX |
Declaration of major Apply to Teacher Education Program |
Coursework and practicums for your endorsement areas | Apply for licensure in Iowa or another state | |
| Music Education (B.Mus.) | EDU 215 EDU 2XX |
Declaration of major Apply to Teacher Education Program |
Coursework, performance, and practicums in music | Apply for licensure in Iowa or another state | |
| Health & Physical Education (Kinesiology) | EDU 215 EDU 2XX |
Declaration of major Apply to Teacher Education Program |
Coursework, performance, and practicums in exercise science | Apply for licensure in PreK-12 schools | |
| Coaching | EDU 215 EDU 2XX |
Declaration of major Apply to Teacher Education Program |
Coaching methods & philosophy, CPR and first aid certifications | Apply for licensure in Iowa or another state | |
Putting your knowledge to work in real classrooms
In the first block of your junior year you’ll put theory into practice during your teaching methods course by spending an entire week in the public schools. This unique opportunity, made possible by One Course, gives you the tools to plan and teach individual lessons and learn the nuances of managing students in the classroom. Afterward you’ll reflect on this first leg of your professional journey through group discussions and complete a two-week unit plan.
Education program capstone
Following completion of your student teaching for elementary or secondary education pathways, you will take a senior seminar course where you will spend time examining current controversies in education, reform ideas, ethics, legal questions, and administrative problems in today’s American education system. You will also complete a detailed professional program and a five-year professional development plan to help you launch your career.
Education program capstone
Following completion of your student teaching for elementary or secondary education pathways, you will take a senior seminar course where you will spend time examining current controversies in education, reform ideas, ethics, legal questions, and administrative problems in today’s American education system. You will also complete a detailed professional program and a five-year professional development plan to help you launch your career.
You’ll spend time in off-campus classrooms locally, or globally
first day of student teaching
As an education major you will be actively working in the community as a part of practicums and internships. There will be opportunities to spend entire blocks student teaching and honing your craft as an educator. And you will have opportunities to engage with learners of all ages as a volunteer.
- Field trips to live music events for music education majors
- Student teaching in urban or rural high schools
- Mentoring elementary kids as part of a service-learning partnership with Mount Vernon’s schools
- Off-campus studies courses, like Comparative Education in Belize, where you’ll traverse San Pedro Town, interact with students, parents, and teachers in the local schools, and study in-depth the island’s various cultural groups including Mestizo, Mayan, Latino, Garifuna, and Creole populations
Where are Cornell students doing in internships? Check out their blogs.
Career opportunities for educators
Some Cornell students start their first teaching positions right after graduation, others go on to graduate school for advanced degrees, and some apply for—and win—prestigious Fulbright teaching fellowships around the world.
We work closely with you, providing mentorship, supervision, and guidance as you craft your resumes, cover letters, and application materials. Your professors know you well, which means they can write a more personalized letter that speaks to your abilities for that first job. We will offer you guidance throughout your job search process. Before you interview for that first job, you’ll get the chance to attend a career day to participate in mock interviews with real principals.
The Berry Career Institute can help you identify opportunities to pursue with your certifications.