Teaching
Cornell’s Education Minor gives you a good foundation of teaching principles and field experience. However, you will not be certified to apply as a teacher in a public school with just that minor. If you are looking to pursue classroom teaching as a long-term career, you should research the certifications required, as these vary by location and age group you want to teach. Requirements can include completing a Masters degree, passing a series of exams, and/or successfully completing of a background check and/or drug test (particularly when working with children).
However, there are many organizations that welcome recent graduates to work in schools with their students, even without an official teacher certification. This is a wonderful opportunity! You can develop skills for a future career related to education, or transferable skills like leadership and problem solving that will be useful in any career. You know yourself, your preferences, your requirements, and your goals.
Many of these employers also attend one (or more) of Cornell's career fairs each year. You can often defer on your student loans and/or qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Some even help you complete your Masters in Teaching or provide an education award at the end of a year's service.
Common programs include:
- Teach for America. Two years of full-time classroom and earning graduate degree or certificate.
- City Year. Single year of classroom support (teacher's aide, mentor, tutor, after school roles) in 25+ urban centers throughout the US.
- Success Academy. Center school system in NYC boroughs with immersive summer training in preparation for ongoing full-time teacher contract.
- City Teaching Alliance (formerly Urban Teachers). Four-year commitment starts with a year of co-teaching, then three years of full-time teaching alongside earning a Master's in Education. Certification to continue teaching or move into school leadership/administration. Located in a few major US cities.
- AmeriCorps. Informal teaching and service opportunities in all 50 states.
- Private schools. Many religiously-oriented organizations offer year-long teacher placements.
For more information about these programs, contact Cornell’s Public Service Careers Coach, Mia Ferraina (mf772@cornell.edu).
You might also consider teaching and educating in a less traditional setting. There are opportunities in museums, nature centers, and other non-profits where you can educate the community in some way outside of the classroom setting.