Mission Statement:
The Foundations of Education and Social Advocacy Department at the State University of New York College at Cortland prepares candidates to teach students with diverse learning needs in urban schools. Graduates of our program will advocate for students in high-needs environments.

About our Department:
Through the collaborative efforts of faculty in arts and sciences, childhood education, and literacy education, our students will pursue courses that prepare them to:

• Teach all children in urban, high-needs schools.
• Develop a knowledge base of proven methods for effective literacy learning.
• Teach curricula thematically.
• Understand characteristics and needs of special learners.
• Collaborate with other professionals and families in urban communities.
• Develop habits for lifelong learning with ongoing professional study and development.
• Reflect on their own practice and integrate their efforts within an urban community.
• Promote equity and excellence within their own educational community.

Our program is designed to meet the professional standards of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), ACEI, and NCATE.