Interested students must have good academic ability, good preprofessional personal characteristics, fine recommendations and be interviewed by an Adelphi faculty member. The fifth year is a dynamic experience, it's a year of professional preparation that culminates with a Master's degree in either childhood or adolescent education along with the University's recommendation for initial teacher certification. While students in the undergraduate component of STEP take education courses and participate in elementary and secondary schools as a complement to their college curriculum, the fifth year of study is devoted exclusively to professional-education course work, and more intense participation in school classrooms. Fifth-year students become integral parts of school communities, teaching individually and as part of teams, planning lessons, and pursuing action research. For teachers, this intellectual growth helps them make clear and ethical decisions both in the classroom and in life, and to bring the benefits of this kind of true education to the children and youth of tomorrow.
STEP seeks to develop teachers who are committed to active leadership.
These young men and women will be integral in developing schools and curricula responsive to the challenges facing contemporary educators. Throughout your undergraduate years your education advisor is there to oversee and guide you. STEP students work with their advisors individually and in groups to ensure dynamic field experiences, to explore career options, and to enrich their entire experience of University life. Our students find that being a part of a cohort is an enjoyable experience that also enhances their professional education. At the end of the fifth year, successful students will have completed the requirements for New York State initial teaching certification in elementary school teaching or in secondary subject areas.