Program Overview

Program Coordinator Shannon McManimon, (845) 257-2828, mcmanims@newpaltz.edu
Program ID 073
Credits 15
Program Length One semester
Modality In-person
Full-time/Part-time Full-time
Transfer Credits 0
Capstone Capstone course
 

Program Description

This 15-credit program is for childhood, adolescence, and special subject teachers, school guidance counselors and administrators, and informal educators who want to enhance their skills and knowledge of social justice education. Designed for professionals who already have their master’s degree, this certificate program enables educators to understand ways in which race, gender, social class, language, sexual orientation, religion, and ability influence them as professionals, their students, and the educational process. It provides educators with the knowledge and skills needed for fostering socially just, culturally sustaining teaching, leadership, and educational settings.

Admission Requirements                 Apply to a SUNY New Paltz graduate program

Applicants must submit:

  • An official copy of all graduate transcripts indicating evidence of a master’s degree in education from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
  • Contact information for two school district officials, administrators, or colleagues who have agreed to provide a letter of recommendation.
  • A 2-3 page personal essay describing your current educational initiatives in multicultural/diversity education and/or your goals for future endeavors for fostering greater appreciation of diversity in your classroom and school.

Online applications must be completed by:

November 1st Spring admission
April 1st Fall admission

Upon receipt of a completed application, the applicant will be contacted to schedule an interview with Dr. Shannon McManimon and Robyn Sheridan to complete the application process.

Introductory Course (3 Credits)
EDS581Race and Gender in Education3
Social Justice Education Electives (9 Credits)
Select three courses from the list below:9
Issues in Multicultural Education
Conflict Resolution in Education
Education of Self for Professionals
Issues in Literacy for Diverse Learners
Expressive Arts and Social Change
Restorative and Transformative Justice and Practice
Antioppressive Pedagogies and Practices
Group Dynamics
Social-Emotional Learning for Social Justice
Leadership in Education and Human Service Settings
Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms
Capstone Course (3 Credits)
EDS793Ed Studies Selected Topics3
Total Credits15

Program Requirements

Students complete 15 graduate credits of course work which include a 3-credit introductory course, 9 credits of electives, and a 3-credit capstone course, and must achieve a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. At the completion of the program, an Advanced Certificate in Social Justice Education will be granted by the State University of New York at New Paltz.
Note: Graduate courses taken prior to admission to the Advanced Certificate Program cannot be applied to students’ plans of study for this program. All graduate courses will be taken at SUNY New Paltz.

Graduate Checklist

  • Apply for graduation via my.newpaltz.edu under “Graduation” tab according to the schedule in the academic calendar.   

  • Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable. 

  • Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.  

  • Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to your plan of study 

  • Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process transfer credit. 

  • Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher. 

  • Pass your capstone or culminating assessment. 

  • Complete your degree within the specified time limit outlined in the Program Overview. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Social Justice Education (Advanced Certificate)

We are attempting to know, learn, and be differently. This work is and always will be unfinished. As we learn new information and ways of being, we are also cognizant that social justice work must be sustainable for self, community, and society. In our program, students work toward: 

  • Social Justice Content Knowledge 

Understanding that systems of inequality shape our lives and institutions, they will engage social justice education to foster more sustainable, equitable, and just relationships. 

  • Applying Theory to Practice 

Utilizing processes of self-reflection and assessment, they will engage in action and reflection (praxis) that center justice-oriented theories, beliefs, values, and relationships. 

  • Critical Analyses 

Drawing on reflective, critical thinking, listening, and questioning practices, they will integrate critical analyses into their educational work. 

  • Fostering Equity 

Recognizing that social inequalities reflect an inability or unwillingness to be in positive relationship with difference, they will foster educational and social equity that seeks to transform relationships and share power across differences. 

  • Participatory, Collaborative Approaches to Pedagogy 

With an understanding of embodied, antioppressive, and experiential learning practices, they will employ creative, holistic, collaborative approaches in their pedagogical settings. 

  • Written and Oral Communication 

Practiced in small and large group discussions, presentations, and in applying feedback to their own work, they will effectively communicate orally and in writing, including through qualitative research that reflects social justice principles. 

  • Socially Responsible Leadership 

Understanding connections between personal, institutional, and social change, they will lead as ethically and socially responsible human beings in their workplaces and communities. 

 

Revised March 2022