Become a Certified Teacher While You Learn
At Empire State University, we offer accredited programs with flexible pathways into teaching designed for career changers, working professionals, and school-based staff ready to take the next step.
Whether you're transitioning into education or already working in a school, our programs are built to meet you where you are and help you move forward.
Become a Certified Teacher While You Learn (and Earn)
Choose Your Pathway
Transitional B: Start Teaching Sooner
For career changers and professionals ready to step into the classroom quickly.
- Begin your Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- Gain classroom experience in your first year
- Become eligible to teach as early as Year 2
- Earn a salary while completing your degree
Residency: Learn Through Immersion
For teaching assistants, aides, substitutes, and those seeking a traditional clinical experience.
- Build your teaching foundations while placed in a classroom with a certified teacher in your content area and grade band
- Complete a full-year residency experience
- Continue earning (for eligible roles)
- Progress steadily toward your MAT and initial certification
Why SUNY Empire?
- Fully accredited by AAQEP, a leading national accreditor of educator preparation programs
- Designed for adult learners and working professionals
- Flexible pathways aligned with real-world teaching environments
- Strong partnerships with schools and districts across New York State
- Built-in mentorship and support every step of the way
How It Works
Your Journey to Teaching
You’ll enter the Master of Arts in Teaching program with your bachelor’s degree and content-area background already in place.
In your first year, you’ll focus on pedagogy (learning how to teach effectively).
- Instructional methods
- Classroom management
- Student engagement strategies
(We teach you how to teach.)
From the beginning, you’ll apply what you’re learning in real classrooms.
- Field experience in your subject area and grade level
- Opportunities to observe, assist, and lead instruction
- Early exposure to the realities of teaching
(You’re part of learning in action.)
During your first year, you’ll complete New York State requirements, including:
- Field experience
- Certification exams
- Required workshops
- Fingerprinting
Depending on your pathway:
- Transitional B: Begin teaching in a paid teacher of record position that can count towards tenure and retirement as early as Year 2
- Residency: Complete a full-year clinical experience while continuing your coursework
- Earn your MAT degree
- Transition toward professional certification
- Build experience that counts toward long-term career growth and retirement
Pathway Details
Transitional B Pathway
Designed for individuals ready to move quickly into teaching.
What Makes It Different
- Begin teaching while completing your degree
- Transitional B certification allows you to be employed as a teacher while enrolled
- Real classroom experience accelerates your development
Support You Can Count On
- School-based mentoring aligned with NYSED guidelines
- Ongoing university supervision
- Strong partnership between SUNY Empire and your employing school
Who It’s For
- Career changers
- Professionals with content-area expertise
- Individuals ready to lead their own classroom
Residency Pathway
A more traditional, immersive teaching experience.
What Makes It Different
- Full-year clinical experience in a classroom
- Option to continue working in roles like:
- Teaching assistant
- Teacher’s aide
- Substitute teacher
- Support if you’re not currently working in a school
Flexible Tracks
- Continue earning while learning (for school-based roles)
- Or complete a dedicated, traditional full-time residency experience
Who It’s For
- Current school staff
- Individuals seeking structured, hands-on training
- Those who want a gradual transition into teaching
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you want to enter the classroom quickly or build your skills through immersive experience, we offer a pathway designed for you.
Start your journey to becoming a certified teacher.
Apply to the MAT in Teaching program and select the pathway that fits your goals.
Apply
Learn more and get started.