Philosophy and psychology may be used to fulfill the social science requirements, but are not acceptable as majors leading to social studies certification. In the fall semester, through university coursework and school visits, students learn about interactions between students and teachers, as well as schools and communities. The courses are devoted to observing and studying students' psychological development and learning, the organization of schools, and the nature of the communities they serve. School-based fieldwork, including participation in action research, provides an opportunity to examine these ideas in action. Student teachers are required to follow the time schedule and the calendar of the assigned schools.
Students also attend a weekly seminar on campus.
No courses outside the teacher-education sequence should be taken during this semester. Calendars of assigned schools followed. Calendars of assigned schools followed. Students living in university dorms must make other housing arrangements for periods when the dorms are closed, because vacation times will not coincide with those of the university. Elementary education is available as a graduate program only, leading to a master's in elementary education and New York State certification.