Colgate University’s robust Department of Educational Studies offers students a variety of opportunities and programs such as an undergraduate educational studies concentration and minor, a teaching certification accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) and a graduate degree, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).
The department also offers the South Korea Study Group and the Philadelphia Study Group. The former is a joint program between educational studies and Asian studies at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. The latter allows students to explore urban studies and public policy topics in Philadelphia.
The Teacher Preparation Program (TPP), spearheaded by Assistant Professor of Educational Studies and Director of the Teacher Education Program Meg Gardner, allows students to obtain a New York State Department of Education teacher certification. The application process for undergraduates consists of submitting a personal statement, transcript, writing sample and one letter of recommendation.
“TPP is unique because its mission is to develop a small cohort of like-minded individuals that critically engage with educational systems to reimagine classrooms as spaces of liberation and collective care,” Gardner said.
Senior Katie Maratea, a current student in TPP, is working toward getting her certification for elementary education. Through the program, she conducts fieldwork in Hamilton Central and Sherburne-Earlville school districts, gaining the necessary experience for her aspirations of elementary or higher education.
“Take advantage of the opportunity to spend time in classrooms and see which ages you enjoy working with. Teaching is all about trial and error, and hands-on experience is so important. My time in the classroom has taught me a lot. I have been introduced to new teachers and community members who have all given me lots of advice going into the field,” Maratea said.
To acquire a Master of Arts in teaching for graduate-level programming, students must submit an additional two letters of recommendation and submit applications by Feb. 1.
Emily Corson ’24, a student currently enrolled in the fall cohort of the MAT program, was accepted into the program in March. She currently teaches ninth-grade global studies classes at Cazenovia High School. Certified in Secondary Social Studies Education (grades 7-12), Corson plans to teach high school history full-time after graduation and has applied to the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program in Jordan for the 2025-2026 school year.
“The program focuses on pedagogical theory that prepares teacher candidates to create inclusive and justice-oriented classroom environments. Professors also focus on learning through experience: as a student teacher this semester, I have applied the theory I have learned to my classroom,” Corson said. “Building my own understanding of how I can best serve my students has shaped me into the teacher I am, and I feel confident in my ability to teach in my own classroom after I graduate.”
Although the teaching landscape has changed significantly since Colgate’s professors were students, Colgate’s aspiring educators have honed the skills and now wield tools to adapt to this ever-developing educational environment.
