- 1. What are FAQ’s?
FAQ stands for “frequently asked questions.” In conjunction with the philosophy
and theme of the Department of Education of providing answers to frequently asked questions, we have
added this component to our department’s website.
We will try to have diverse questions that will assist students to figure out what’s
going on out there in the world of education: both here at Daemen College and elsewhere. You should start your
journey here because chances are this question (that is, YOUR question) has been asked before.
- 2. What is the difference between initial/professional and professional certification programs?
- The major differences are the number of credits between initial/professional (min. 39 credits)
and professional (30 credits). Also, student enrolled in initial/professional will have to student teach again.
- 3. What are the requirements to secure a professional teaching certificate?
In addition to the master’s degree, you must have three years of teaching experience.
- 4. How long do I have to secure a master’s degree (and either an initial/professional or
professional certification)?
As of February, 2005, you have five years to complete the master's degree from the time you
secure your certification from New York State.
- 5. Can I get an extension to complete the master’s degree?
It is possible. Currently, the requirement for earning a master's degree is five years after a
person gets certified in New York. Although there is a process for an extension, you will have to meet one of several
conditions. Please refer to the following NYS website for additional information regarding
extensions: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/
- 6. What is the Thomas Reynolds Center?
The Thomas Reynolds Center for Special Education and After-School Programs was established
to provide services to school-age children and their families in order to assist students from partner school
districts in bridging the academic gap these students are currently exhibiting. Click on the following link to
get a full description of the Thomas Reynolds Center:
http://www.daemen.edu/academics/education/CSEASP/index.htm
- 7. What are ways to prepare for New York State Teacher Certification Examinations?
For preparation guides go to:
http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/NY_viewSG_opener.asp
The link to the New york State Teacher's Certification Examinations is:
http://www.nystce.nesinc.com
Also, from time to time, we hear of special preparation classes. If you know of any let one of the
faculty members know and we will send an e-mail to all education students via the list-serve.
- 8. Can you request who/where you’d like to be placed to student teach?
When you apply to student teach, on the application there is a section asking for
the name and contact information for someone you are requesting to student teach with.
We try to honor this, but sometimes this may not work out. But we do our best!
- 9. Can you explain fingerprinting?
As part of your certification, in addition to passing the New York State Teacher
Certification Examinations, you will need to be fingerprinted (you will also have to attend
project SAVE and complete a workshop on child abuse). The best place to have all of your questions answered about
fingerprinting is this website:
http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/ospra/index.html
- 10. What, when and where is Project SAVE?
The Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (Project SAVE) was signed
into law in July 2000 to improve school safety in response to the rise of violence in our schools.
Daemen offers Project SAVE at no cost to the students who are about to participate in student teaching. BOCES will also
be able to provide this training, however, there is a fee for this.
- 11. Can you explain about the child abuse on-line course?
- In order to secure your certification, you must have child abuse training. This can be accomplished at
http://www.childabuseworkshop.com/
- 12. I am a master's student enrolled in special education/childhood education (1-6) initial/professional, what tests do I need to take, and pass, in order to secure my certification?
- New York State also refers to this as “Teachers of Students with Disabilities (grade 1-6).” You will need to take and pass:
The Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST)
The Elementary-Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W)
The Content Specialty Test (CST) in Disabilities
The Content Specialty Test (CST) in Multi-Subject.
See the education department’s website for more information. Test registration booklets are available in the TRC. Also, refer to the following NYS website for additional requirements and fees: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/
The link to the New York State Teacher's Certification Examinations is: http://www.nystce.nesinc.com
