It's not just a whim. It's a very serious career choice. It is, she added, a program for those who are sure they want to be teachers. Dr. Cohen says she and the other faculty teaching education understand the need for guidance in such a tough program. That is why each student is monitored and constantly encouraged to visit their advisers with their problems.
Students also belong to a group of other students with whom they share their experiences.
STEP accepts new freshman and transfer students before their junior year. Since the inception of the program, the number of enrolled students has nearly tripled, according to Dr. Cohen. She said the next freshman class will bring in 40 new students for STEP, adding to the 125 over the past 5 years. Most importantly, the program gives students classroom experience early on in their studies. Fifth year student Katherine Ruggiero began STEP in her freshman year.