Earn your master’s degree while gaining the coursework and classroom experience needed for New York State teacher certification.
The Traditional MS program at Touro’s Graduate School of Education offers a clear route to earning your master’s degree while preparing for New York State teacher certification. This program is designed for students who want to build a strong foundation in teaching through graduate coursework paired with guided classroom experience in real school settings.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn proven instructional strategies that support student learning, explore how to support diverse learners, and gain hands-on classroom experience through both field experience and student teaching. Your clinical placements give you time to observe classrooms, practice teaching, and gradually take on more responsibility with guidance from experienced educators and faculty supervisors.
Why Choose the Traditional MS Program
The Traditional MS program is designed for aspiring educators who want a clear, supportive way to begin their teaching career. You’ll focus on developing your instructional skills, understanding student development, and learning how to create effective, inclusive learning environments.
By combining coursework with supervised clinical experiences, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you’re learning, reflect on your practice, and grow with feedback from faculty and cooperating teachers. Prepare for New York State teacher certification exams through academic study and clinical experience. You’ll also explore how family, community, and school environments shape student learning and development.
Pick Your Pathway
There are three pathways available in the Traditional MS program so you can choose the option that aligns with your goals as an educator:
What to Expect as a Traditional MS Student
As a student in the Traditional MS program, you’ll complete graduate coursework and participate in supervised clinical practice designed to support your development as a teacher.
In this program, you can expect to:
- Complete graduate-level coursework grounded in evidence-based teaching practice
- Participate in supervised clinical practice in diverse school settings
- Gradually build classroom responsibility through observation, guided practice, and supported instruction
- Learn to design lessons, manage classrooms, and support diverse learners effectively
- Prepare for New York State teacher certification exams through coursework and hands-on experience
Coursework and Clinical Practice
Touro GSE courses are designed to help you connect theory to classroom practice. You’ll study instructional methods, child and adolescent development, assessment, classroom management, and inclusive teaching practices — including instruction aligned with New York State learning standards. Courses are offered in flexible formats, including asynchronous online classes, live courses via Zoom, and in-person sessions at our Brooklyn campus.
Your clinical experience will be completed in school settings and includes student teaching, allowing you to observe classrooms, practice instructional strategies, and gradually take on teaching responsibilities under the guidance of cooperating teachers and Touro GSE faculty.
Looking for a residency option? Touro GSE offers the Touro University Teaching Residents (TUTR) program, which pairs graduate study with a residency placement in NYC Public Schools as part of the New York State Department of Labor’s Empire Teacher Residency Program.
Mentoring, Supervision, and Advising
Support is an integral part of the Traditional MS program. During your clinical experiences, you’ll receive guidance from cooperating teachers in your placement schools, along with supervision and feedback from Touro GSE faculty. You’ll also have access to advising and academic support to help you stay on track throughout the program. Faculty and staff work with you to support your progress, answer questions about certification requirements, and help you prepare for your transition into the classroom.
Program Requirements and Eligibility
Completion of the program leads to a Master of Science degree and supports your journey toward New York State teacher certification as you complete all NYSED requirements. In general, candidates for the Traditional MS program must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- Meet academic requirements, including minimum GPA expectations
- Be eligible for a New York State registered teacher preparation program
- Complete required NYSED seminars and workshops, fingerprinting, and certification steps
- Successfully complete all coursework and clinical practice requirements
We encourage prospective students to review admissions requirements carefully and reach out with any questions as they plan their application.
