After six years as an elementary teacher, Kenneth Aubin had a calling to teach middle schoolers.
“I have always felt that I worked better with the older end of the spectrum of students,” said Aubin, a member of the Green Island Teachers Association. “I like the depth of conversations that you can have with middle schoolers and listening to how they process things.”
To update his certification, Aubin took a 10-week college course, “Middle Childhood and Adolescent Development” over the summer using NYSUT’s ELT graduate education program. He was able to finish the coursework just in time to teach middle school math this fall — and all at a fraction of what the course would usually cost.
“It was nice having the 40 percent discount because of my NYSUT membership,” said Aubin. “It made it much more like affordable because I didn’t have to come up with the whole amount out of my own pocket.”
For decades, NYSUT ELT has been partnering with higher education institutions to deliver high-quality graduate education programs to members, on their terms, at prices they can afford.
Educators who are looking to make the move from initial to professional certification can choose from an array of master’s degree programs at Mercy University or Empire State University – all offered conveniently online.
Educators can also complete additional certifications to advance their careers, including in-demand titles like Students with Disabilities, School Counselor, Career and Technical Education, Literacy, and TESOL.
All ELT courses have been reviewed and approved by the New York State Education Department, plus many are offered on accelerated schedules.
When Darlene Petschke had to take three graduate courses to complete an additional certification for her new job at Wyoming Central School District, she turned to NYSUT’s ELT.
“I needed to take three special education courses and content specialty tests to add special education certification, so the format of weekends and a ‘5-day power week’ at the end of June was so awesome and manageable,” said Petschke. Petschke is a retiree from Newfane Teachers Association who decided to return to work. “I took 9 credits in less than 5 months and only had to focus on one course at a time.”
Along with the affordable price point and convenience of ELT, members say they also appreciate the fact that ELT instructors are veteran educators themselves.
“The assignments are meaningful and relevant, allowing me to immediately apply new strategies in my classroom,” said Melissa Hrycko, a pre-K teacher for Weedsport Central School District and a member of the Weedsport Teachers Association.
Hrycko is pursuing her Students with Disabilities certificate and has taken multiple graduate-level courses through ELT focused on special education, behavior management, assessment, and instructional practices.
“I wanted to deepen my understanding of special education law, assessment, intervention, and inclusive practices so I can better support children,” said Hrycko. “The experience has been engaging, practical, and immediately applicable to my work as a pre-K teacher.”
When it comes to professional development, educators agree that ELT is the way to go.
“NYSUT ELT simplified the process, kept the costs reasonable, and the bureaucracy low, so it's a win-win for everyone,” said Petschke.