Field Experiences Throughout Our Graduate Programs

The M.A.T. and M.S. programs at IC emphasize the connection between theory and practice and offer multiple opportunities for observation, tutoring, and teaching in varied grade levels in rural, suburban, and urban settings. Field experiences begin during the very first summer in our program; our Childhood Education students work with children in a summer program in Ithaca, and our M.A.T. students tutor adolescents from low-socioeconomic backgrounds. During the fall semester, graduate students in both programs spend at least two full days observing and participating in local-area public schools. By spring, it is time to student teach -- our Childhood Ed students complete one student teaching placement in grades 1-3 and the other in grades 4-6, while our M.A.T. students student teach in both grades 7-9 and 10-12. 

Our graduates consistently report that the theory-practice connections offered by our programs provide them with the knowledge and skills they need for effective teaching in support of diverse student populations.  As a result, graduates of our programs become leaders in their departments, schools, and communities.

Highlighted partnerships

  • Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA)
    Located in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, FDA is a co-educational public school for grades six through twelve that first opened its doors in 1991. With a high level of academic success, its college-prep students boast regents scores that exceed the city average. During our annual fall visit to FDA, M.A.T. students observe classes, conduct college workshops, and teach classes in their areas of certification.
     
  • Washington Heights Academy (WHA)
    Washington Heights Academy is the site of the urban field experience in which our Childhood Education graduate students participate each year. WHA is a parent-initiated, community-based public school that serves neighborhood children from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. In October, the Ithaca College Education faculty and teacher education students travel to New York City for a week; and the Childhood Ed students observe, tutor, assist, and teach lessons in elementary school classrooms at WHA.