Whether it’s the historic Morningside Heights campus, enriched with educational and social possibilities, or the opportunity to become part of a diverse community of future changemakers, it’s no surprise that students from around the globe choose Teachers College when pursuing their graduate education.
With so many unique offerings, we chatted with some of TC’s current students and asked them: “Why TC?”
[Editor’s Note: the below responses have been edited for length and clarity.]
Gunay’s TC Reason: the Individualized Approach
"TC was the only institution that I applied to in the States. Receiving such a welcoming spirit from my professors and advisors, I quickly found that the College cares deeply about its students. For me, TC is more than just an academic venue. It's a place for teaching fulfilling and diverse worldviews while encouraging self-development."
Favorite TC Memory: "We had in-class celebrations during the last week of classes. Not only did we celebrate our shared successes, but we also learned about each other's cultures with homemade delicacies and treats from classmates."
- Gunay Mammadova (M.A. ‘24, International Educational Development)
Gunay’s TC Reason: The Individualized Approach
"TC was the only institution that I applied to in the States. Receiving such a welcoming spirit from my professors and advisors, I quickly found that the College cares deeply about its students. For me, TC is more than just an academic venue. It's a place for teaching fulfilling and diverse worldviews while encouraging self-development."
Favorite TC Memory: "We had in-class celebrations during the last week of classes. Not only did we celebrate our shared successes, but we also learned about each other's cultures with homemade delicacies and treats from classmates."
- Gunay Mammadova (M.A. ‘24, International Educational Development)
Tyreik's TC Reason: The Interdisciplinary Curriculum
“Through my education at TC, I hope to bring culturally relevant science education and climate change awareness back to my hometown of Harlem. I’ve had very few Black teachers throughout my early years in New York City public schools, and this is something I hope to change after I graduate.”
- Tyreik Kelly (Teaching Residents at TC (TR@TC) ‘24)
Tyreik's TC Reason: the Interdisciplinary Curriculum
“Through my education at TC, I hope to bring culturally relevant science education and climate change awareness back to my hometown of Harlem. I’ve had very few Black teachers throughout my early years in New York City public schools, and this is something I hope to change after I graduate.”
- Tyreik Kelly (Teaching Residents at TC (TR@TC) ‘24)
Victoria's TC Reason: the Unique Program Offerings
“I chose Teachers College for its unique Bilingual Latino/a Mental Health Counseling program. TC stood out the most to me because it offered specific courses for counseling students in Spanish, centered on the Latine experience. I can complete fieldwork hours in bilingual settings while serving diverse communities.”
Favorite TC Memory: “Seeing a Broadway show with TC Graduate Student Life and Development! Exploring the culture of my city while making friends at TC is something I hold close to my heart. Something I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else.”
- Victoria Alonso (Ed.M. ‘24, Bilingual Latina/o Mental Health Counseling)
Victoria's TC Reason: The Unique Program Offerings
“I chose Teachers College for its unique Bilingual Latino/a Mental Health Counseling program. TC stood out the most to me because it offered specific courses for counseling students in Spanish, centered on the Latine experience. I can complete fieldwork hours in bilingual settings while serving diverse communities.”
Favorite TC Memory: “Seeing a Broadway show with TC Graduate Student Life and Development! Exploring the culture of my city while making friends at TC is something I hold close to my heart. Something I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else.”
- Victoria Alonso (Ed.M. ‘24, Bilingual Latina/o Mental Health Counseling)
Sina’s TC Reason: The Interdisciplinary Curriculum
“I chose TC for its interdisciplinary curriculum offerings in Arts Administration (ARAD). The College provides access to a plethora of arts organizations, both nonprofit and commercial, creating an arts scene unlike anything outside of New York City. It’s been an incredible opportunity for learning and networking! I’ve been able to attend panel discussions with TC alumni and explore micro-courses to improve skills like database management and curating. I’m excited to see what the future holds!”
Favorite TC Memory: “In my Curatorial Praxis class, we meet with curators of prominent NYC art organizations. Recently, we met with the head curator of the MoMA film department and even got a behind-the-scenes look at the curatorial process in the show "Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio!”
- Sina Mclin (M.A. ‘24, Arts Administration)
Sina’s TC Reason: the Interdisciplinary Curriculum
“I chose TC for its interdisciplinary curriculum offerings in Arts Administration (ARAD). The College provides access to a plethora of arts organizations, both nonprofit and commercial, creating an arts scene unlike anything outside of New York City. It’s been an incredible opportunity for learning and networking! I’ve been able to attend panel discussions with TC alumni and explore micro-courses to improve skills like database management and curating. I’m excited to see what the future holds!”
Favorite TC Memory: “In my Curatorial Praxis class, we meet with curators of prominent NYC art organizations. Recently, we met with the head curator of the MoMA film department and even got a behind-the-scenes look at the curatorial process in the show "Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio!”
- Sina Mclin (M.A. ‘24, Arts Administration)
Allie’s TC Reason: Inspiring Thought Leadership
“At Teachers College, I have the opportunity to learn from the leading minds in my field, which continues to motivate me every day. I was particularly interested in TC’s Communication Sciences & Disorders program, as I hope to continue developing research that will strengthen the field.”
Favorite TC Memory: “The first time I spent quality time with my colleagues in the Office of Admission! I knew they would become lifelong friends. I am so grateful for them and can't wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”
- Allie Beam (M.S. ‘24, Communication Sciences & Disorders)
Allie’s TC Reason: Inspiring Thought Leadership
“At Teachers College, I have the opportunity to learn from the leading minds in my field, which continues to motivate me every day. I was particularly interested in TC’s Communication Sciences & Disorders program, as I hope to continue developing research that will strengthen the field.”
Favorite TC Memory: “The first time I spent quality time with my colleagues in the Office of Admission! I knew they would become lifelong friends. I am so grateful for them and can't wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”
- Allie Beam (M.S. ‘24, Communication Sciences & Disorders)
Elizabeth’s TC Reason: The Dynamic Arts Administration Program
“As both a soprano and curator, I have a deep devotion to arts and music. I began studying vocals when I was around 16 years old. Choosing TC was easy for me. The Arts Administration program offers unparalleled opportunities to expand my knowledge and expertise in the arts business. With its dynamic class offerings, TC is the perfect place to hone my skills for my future goals.”
Favorite TC Memory: “My favorite TC memory was meeting a bunch of friends in my program who shared the same interests as me! We're working as a team to organize an exhibition for this summer.”
- Elizabeth Guo (M.A. ‘24, Arts Administration)
Elizabeth’s TC Reason: the Dynamic Arts Administration Program
“As both a soprano and curator, I have a deep devotion to arts and music. I began studying vocals when I was around 16 years old. Choosing TC was easy for me. The Arts Administration program offers unparalleled opportunities to expand my knowledge and expertise in the arts business. With its dynamic class offerings, TC is the perfect place to hone my skills for my future goals.”
Favorite TC Memory: “My favorite TC memory was meeting a bunch of friends in my program who shared the same interests as me! We're working as a team to organize an exhibition for this summer.”
- Elizabeth Guo (M.A. ‘24, Arts Administration)
Keana’s TC Reason: the Networking Opportunities
“TC provides many opportunities for students to network with professionals in their fields of interest, from career fairs and student clubs to academic conferences. Resources like alumni networks, mentorship programs, and online platforms make it easy for students to expand their professional network. By choosing TC, I’ve gained valuable insights into the field, uncovered job opportunities, and forged relationships with peers and professors."
Favorite TC Memory: “Participating in this year's Admitted Students Day (ASD)! I worked as a student ambassador, and it was so great seeing new faces since the event was virtual my first year at TC.”
- Keana Arevalo (M.S. ‘23, Communication Sciences & Disorders)
Keana’s TC Reason: The Networking Opportunities
“TC provides many opportunities for students to network with professionals in their fields of interest, from career fairs and student clubs to academic conferences. Resources like alumni networks, mentorship programs, and online platforms make it easy for students to expand their professional network. By choosing TC, I’ve gained valuable insights into the field, uncovered job opportunities, and forged relationships with peers and professors."
Favorite TC Memory: "Participating in this year's Admitted Students Day (ASD)! I worked as a student ambassador, and it was so great seeing new faces since the event was virtual my first year at TC.”
- Keana Arevalo (M.S. ‘23, Communication Sciences & Disorders)
Are you interested in learning more about life at Teachers College? Visit our TC Perspectives site to explore campus life, student insights, and much more.
We hope to #CUatTC!