Admission Requirements

Admissions are on a rolling basis. All students wishing to be considered for a graduate assistantship (or other funding opportunities) must express their interest by February 1.

In addition to the requirements listed on the Graduate School website, TLEL applicants must provide the following credentials for the below listed programs. For specific details, visit the TLEL Admissions website:

• Advanced Certificate in Adolescence Special Education
  • Introduction to Special Education (SPED 501, SPED 500) or equivalent coursework
  • Initial certification/eligibility for initial certification in adolescence education
  • Six credits each in English, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences
  • Master’s degree (Binghamton University MAT students may concurrently complete the advanced certificate, as long as the MAT internship is completed prior to the special education internship)
• MSEd TESOL/ Advanced Certificate in TESOL: CR ITI:
  • 12 credits of a language(s) other than English (at least 6 credits pre-admission)
  • Initial certification/eligibility for initial certification
• Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Educational Leadership:
  • Master’s degree
  • New York state teaching permanent or professional certification
  • A minimum of three years teaching experience and/or pupil personnel service in PreK-12 public or approved non-public schools
• Letters of Recommendation
  • The Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Educational Leadership requires two completed Reference Forms (in lieu of letters) from supervisors, school or district administrators who know the candidate’s work and can assess accomplishments and leadership potential.
  • All other programs require two letters that can attest to the applicant’s potential to be an effective teacher and to successfully complete graduate study.
• Personal Statement
  • Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership (3-4 pages):
    • Prior leadership experiences
    • Any special skills or contributions to the field of education
    • Why the applicant wishes to pursue administrative leadership education at this time in their career
    • Leadership goals for the future
• Résumé: Including current employment, previous professional education experience (including student internships), volunteer work and other experiences with children and youth.
• Certification (Advanced Preparation Programs only): Submit proof of New York State Teacher Certification showing TEACH reference (ID) number (found in the certificates section of the TEACH account). A program may accept a teaching certificate from another state for conditional admission, but that does not guarantee that New York state will recognize it or that our programs fulfill teacher certification requirements in other states. Out-of-state credentials need to be converted to the New York state equivalent by the end of the first semester in the advanced program.

Program Requirements

Additional Information

Students enrolled in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership’s teacher preparation programs must earn at least a B- in each course to progress to subsequent coursework. Students are required to maintain at least a B (3.0) cumulative grade point average in all graduate credit coursework presented for the degree per Graduate School policy.

Binghamton University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. For programs leading to certification in New York State, the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership is accreditated through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

Professional Dispositions Policy

As a professional school, the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership (TLEL) at Binghamton University is dedicated to preparing teachers and scholars who are well-grounded in their discipline and in pedagogical practice. Whether in coursework or while engaged in fieldwork in school and community settings, the TLEL faculty members expect all teacher candidates and program participants to demonstrate the professional dispositions expected of an educator.

Faculty members developed the TLEL Professional Dispositions, supplementing the Ethics and Integrity Policies and Procedures, which applies to all students taking courses within the College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA). All candidates in initial and advanced programs must receive a rating of “Meets Expectations” in each area of professional disposition for admission and advancement.

For the full professional dispositions policy, visit the TLEL Resources webpage.

Clinical Education Requirement and Policy

Throughout their preparation, candidates from both the initial and advanced preparation programs must complete clinical experiences. These clinical experiences provide candidates with opportunities to apply instructional and leadership techniques learned in coursework in a classroom, school or community setting.

Candidates from initial preparation programs complete both early field experiences and a culminating internship experience.

Candidates, in coordination with their cooperating teacher or mentor teacher, establish a field education schedule for each semester. In an emergency, if a candidate cannot attend, the missed day must be rescheduled with their cooperating teacher within three calendar days. Additionally, candidates should contact their University supervisor, advisor and Clinical education office to inform them of their absence(s). 

Advancement in certification programs is contingent upon multiple factors including meeting required attendance expectations.

For further information and the full fieldwork policy, please visit the TLEL Field Education webpage.

Felony Statement

Candidates should be aware that some states, including New York, may restrict or deny professional licensure for people with felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions or actions taken against them by a professional organization. Binghamton University’s Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership cannot guarantee licensure upon completion of the program.

In addition, candidates in teacher and educational leader preparation programs must complete field experiences, including internships, in schools or other educational settings. For placement into field experiences, candidates are required to provide personal information, fingerprints and may be subject to a criminal background check. Candidates admitted into the program are not guaranteed a field placement or internship placement as schools, districts and other educational settings have the right to refuse placement based on information collected during any background check or from the candidate’s own disclosure.

Candidates with such situation(s) should consult the state’s certification board and the program coordinator before submitting an application for admission.

For more information on the TLEL Advanced Certificate program, please refer to the TLEL website or email XXX@binghamton.edu for more information. To apply to the TLEL Advanced Certificate program, please visit the University Admissions website.