Change Lives, Shape Minds, Mold Futures: Become a Teacher

Babies and young children absorb information faster and more easily than during any other phase of life. So, of course, working with them can be incredibly rewarding! In this program you’ll learn how the stages of human development can vary from child to child. Additionally, you’ll find out how to provide the youngest learners with foundational skills they’ll need for success throughout their school years and beyond. Not only that, you’ll discover ways to cultivate rich learning environments for children of all ability levels. And through fieldwork in a variety of educational and community-based environments, you’ll work with every early-childhood age group.

This major prepares you for a career as a teacher, but you also can take advantage of other opportunities like becoming an after-school director, a children’s book editor, or even a social service agency caseworker.

Course Spotlight | Mathematics in Early Childhood Education
In this core requirement, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of how children develop early insights into mathematics. In particular, you’ll learn how to infuse mathematical concepts into areas of your curriculum and create adaptations for learners with diverse abilities.

“One of the most valuable resources I’ve relied on is my cohort, about 15 to 20 juniors and seniors who take courses together. We collaborate, have a supportive group chat, and rally together when we need to. Most importantly, we are a network of future educators.”
— Maggie Sonenshine, Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education (birth–grade 2), 2024

Between the ages of 6 and 11, children retain more knowledge and maintain a greater focus on activities while also acquiring the academic and social skills they’ll rely on for the rest of their lives. In this major you’ll gain the knowledge to help students reach their fullest potential. For example, you’ll learn about instructing foundational subjects like math, social studies, science, and language arts, as well as how to recognize when a child might benefit from early intervention. During your first two years, you’ll conduct fieldwork in general and special education in grades one through three, then four through six. In your junior and senior years, you’ll embark on student teaching at four different school sites under the supervision of your classroom teachers and a Steinhardt faculty member.

This degree is designed for students who want to become teachers, but can also launch a career like a children’s television producer, a curriculum specialist, or a school librarian.

Course Spotlight | Bilingual Multicultural Education: Theory and Practice
This core requirement explores how bilingual and multilingual experiences shape a student’s education. You’ll learn about theories, policies, and practices in US and global contexts. Furthermore, you’ll examine the different roles and responsibilities of educators and professionals who work with multilingual communities.

“I decided to come to NYU because of the diverse communities and peers I knew I would encounter on campus. Coming from a small suburban city, I always longed for an experience where I could meet and build relationships with people across the world, and NYU has been the perfect place for that.”
— Julie Park, Childhood Education/Childhood Special Education (grades 1–6), 2023

While continuing to learn about the subject you love, prepare to inspire tomorrow’s scientists, political leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs. Most of NYU’s subject-specific teaching degrees qualify you to teach grades seven through 12. Some even prepare you to teach grades five and six. This degree provides a teaching specialization in English, World Languages, Mathematics, Science (biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics), or Social Sciences, or a minor in Computer Science Education.

You’ll spend your junior year observing students in New York City public school classrooms. Then in your senior year, you’ll develop your own teaching style in two semesters of student-teaching. Graduates also have the option to expand their career beyond the classroom through roles like a curriculum evaluator or subject specialist at a nonprofit. In addition, graduates could select a career like a journalist, a science illustrator, or even a zoo or museum instructor.

Course Spotlight | The Universe: Its Nature and History
If you choose to specialize in teaching earth science, this course requirement will give you a robust introduction to the nature and evolution of the universe. This course covers topics like the reason for the seasons and the Copernican Revolution to neutron stars and black holes.

“My advice is that if you have a passion for helping kids learn, then have confidence in your ability to grow and become a teacher. If becoming an educator is what you want, then don’t let other people deter you. Because who knows? Maybe you will be the change we need.”
— Jada Kristen Murphy, Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education (birth–grade 2), 2024