The Bachelor of Science in communication sciences and disorders with initial teacher certification is a pre-professional program in speech-language pathology and audiology that includes coursework beyond the basic degree program. It prepares students for supervised entry-level employment in the school setting within New York State. Students who follow the major sequence, satisfy minimum course and GPA requirements, and obtain specified competencies meet the requirements established by the New York State Department of Education for initial certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLDS). The program prepares students for graduate study in speech-language pathology, audiology, or deaf education.
Students are provided opportunities to apply their knowledge through work in the campus Speech and Hearing Clinic, as well as through off-campus service learning opportunities. Students in the certification program also complete a student teaching experience.
Students seeking initial TSSLD certification must take the LAST and ATS-W tests prior to student teaching. Both tests must be passed in order to earn certification. The state of New York requires that all persons working in the school setting, including teachers, be fingerprinted prior to entering the school setting.
Students who earn the initial teacher certification must obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, satisfy work requirements, and convert the initial certificate to a professional certificate within five years in order to remain employed in the school setting.
Requirements for New York Initial Teacher Certification
All teacher candidates must successfully complete the following to meet the requirements for New York teacher certification:
• Overall GPA of 2.7 and a program GPA of 2.85 or higher
• All education course work with a grade of C or higher
• New York State teacher certification examinations
A minimum of two exams need to be passed:
• Liberal Arts and Science Test (LAST)
• Written Assessment of Teaching Skills (ATS-W)
The Speech Language Pathology PRAXIS II will need to be passed for the Professional Certification which also requires a master’s degree.
See www.naz.edu/dept/edu/certification.cfm for details, suggested timelines for these exams and costs.
Teacher candidates use the NYS TEACH system to apply for Initial certification(s) and need to pay the fees in effect at the time they apply. New York requires all teacher candidates to have fingerprint/background check on file with TEACH and pass all appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations www.nystce.nesinc.com. New York State Education Department maintains a website with certification requirements: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/
During a teacher candidate’s final semester information on the application process will be sent via email. Additional support may be obtained by contacting the Nazareth College Teacher Certification Office at 389-2592 or 2591 or e-mail gpotemp2@naz.edu or chill0@naz.edu, www.naz.edu/dept/edu/certification.cfm.
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