Teacher Cert

Students in Milbank Chapel
Background Image: Students in Milbank Chapel

Teacher Certification Programs

Teachers College, Columbia University

offers a wide variety of educational experiences for teacher education students at the preservice and in-service levels. Our graduate programs are field-based, offering practica, internships, and student teaching. Our programs lead simultaneously to a master’s degree and eligibility for New York State certification for teaching in elementary or secondary schools, as well as for teaching specific subjects and to special populations. Join us and make change in schools— give the promise of an enriching educational experience to all learners.



Anchor: #learn-more

Sign Up to Learn More

Loading...
90%

of graduates would recommend TC to prospective students.

93%

of students who have utilized our Office of Career Services recommend it.

89%

of faculty directly connect students with job opportunities.

93%

of graduating students have job offers related to their programs of study.

Professor Crowley answering students' questions

Pick Your Path

Our rich academic diversity and rigor will give you the perspective and expertise few in the world can claim.

  • Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Art & Art Education
  • Bilingual/Bicultural Education
  • Curriculum & Teaching
  • Deaf & Hard of Hearing Education
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Inclusive Education
  • English Education
  • Gifted Education
  • Intellectual Disabilities & Autism
  • Literacy Specialist
  • Mathematics Education
  • Music & Music Education
  • Social Studies in Education
  • Science Education

Why Now?

Students standing under the TC Way sign

Your time to become an educator of the future can start today. Like many states, New York is reporting teacher shortages in all areas, including special education, bilingual education, English as a Second Language, science, mathematics, English Language Arts, social studies, health education, and literacy. New York officials estimate the state will need more than 180,000 new teachers over the next 10 years.

By the Numbers:

  • NYS Teacher Retirement System projects that 1/3 of New York teachers could retire in the next five years.
  • U.S. Department of Education has identified 18 teacher shortage areas throughout New York State.
Two students having a discussion in the TC Library
Students leaving Zankel Hall
Background Image: Students leaving Zankel Hall

The Teachers College Way

 Inquiry Stance

  • We are an inquiry-based and practice-oriented community. We challenge assumptions and complacency and embrace a stance of inquiry toward the interrelated roles of learner, teacher, and leader in P-12 schools.

Curricular Stance

  • Our graduates strive to meet the needs of diverse learners. They navigate multiple perspectives on culture, content, and context within their school communities.

Social Justice Stance 

  • Our graduates collaborate across differences in and beyond their school communities. They demonstrate a commitment to social justice and to serving the world while imagining its possibilities.
Back to skip to quick links