We believe that pre-service teachers are best prepared when they learn how to teach in real classrooms. Thus, the undergraduate teacher education programs at St. Bonaventure University are primarily field-based. While our candidates are developing their knowledge and skills, they spend a significant amount of time interning and teaching in area schools that have joined our program as Professional Development Schools (PDS). During these PDS semesters, SBU students learn to teach in “risk-free” environments where they are mentored daily by program faculty.
Listen to What Our Graduates Say…..
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Ashley Hanks is a 2006 graduate of the dual certification Elementary/Special Education program and a 2007 graduate of the Childhood Literacy Master's Program. She now teaches first grade in the Olean City School District.
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“The Education Program at St. Bonaventure offered me an opportunity to learn and grow as a teaching professional from as early as my freshman year of college. Also immediately, as an education student I was encouraged to 'get out' into an actual classroom setting.
“Methods and styles of teaching weren’t always taught through lecture; rather, they were learned through hands-on experiences. Now as a first-year, first-grade teacher, I often find myself reflecting on my experiences at Bona’s, and am thankful for the immense knowledge I gained in the education program.”
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“Choosing a major in college is probably one of the most difficult decisions you have to make. For me, choosing the education program at Bonaventure was easy.
“The faculty and staff in this major are all so dedicated, friendly and knowledgeable that I couldn’t help but be drawn to the Education Department. If you ever have any questions, someone will always be there to help you out! This is a wonderful feeling, especially during the first few semesters at college.
“Also, if you’re a student like me, you learn best by doing and the education department at Bonaventure gets you out into the field right away! Observing classrooms, tutoring students, field block internship and student teaching all prepared me for my first year of teaching.
“I have had my own classroom since August and my colleagues are so impressed with my teaching ability. They all say they can’t believe I’m only a first-year teacher and I have to thank St. Bonaventure for truly preparing for a lifelong career in my opinion one of the most rewarding fields.”
Stephanie Cardarella, class of 2007, who now teaches second grade in Lee County, Florida
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Jennifer Crawford majored in Elementary Education as an undergraduate and got her Special Education certification as an SBU graduate student. She taught special education and is now a second-grade teacher in the Olean City School District.
Jennifer says, “The St. Bonaventure Field Block program gave me an authentic and realistic teaching experience. The professors and clinical faculty were always available to guide and assist me with lesson preparations and immediate feedback on lessons. The faculty not only were my teachers but my professional peers. I never felt like my professors were just trying to get me through the course. They wanted to make me the best teacher that I could be.”
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Elizabeth Years Stevens, a sixth-grade teacher in the Fayetteville-Manlius schools, graduated in 2002 from the Elementary Education program and in 2003 with a master's degree in Childhood Literacy.
Elizabeth says, “St. Bonaventure is a perfect place to start your career in education. Every day, I truly apply what I learned at St. Bonaventure in my classroom! Most importantly, my professors instilled the importance of welcoming professional development opportunities, particularly those that involve literacy and technology, and that remains with me today.
“Most importantly, you are immersed in teaching experience as early as your freshman year. All the while you will gain a practical understanding of professionalism, expectations, and a love for teaching and learning. Through this opportunity you will establish a close bond with School of Education faculty members, and your professors will know you as a person, student, and teacher. They are dedicated to supporting your continuous growth, even after you graduate!”
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SBU students explore ideas and discuss classroom practice with their faculty mentors as they transition from student to professional teacher. The program faculty are experienced elementary, early childhood and special education teachers themselves and they share their passion for teaching with SBU teacher education students.
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Why choose SBU? So that you, too, can become an extraordinary educator!
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Contact Information
For more information on the degree in elementary education, please contact
Dr. Nancy Casey, Chair
(716) 375-2141
ncasey@sbu.edu
If you wish to apply to this program, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at St. Bonaventure University at 1 (800) 462-5050 for undergraduate admission materials.
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