November 26, 2024 — New teaching resources are helping uplift the next generation of teachers, giving them the tools they need to succeed in the modern education community.

The Teaching Methods Lab in the new Dyson Center serves to support teacher education students on their journey to becoming learner-focused educators. With attention to accessibility, the lab helps students develop an inclusive and engaging curriculum.

The Teaching Methods Lab

The new lab gives teacher education candidates access to immersive, experiential learning opportunities to develop effective teaching methods for all students.

Designed specifically for future educators, the lab offers a space to develop teaching methods and practice lesson plans.

This state-of-the-art facility features science lab equipment, cameras for demonstrating hands-on techniques, ample whiteboard space, and fully accessible stations to accommodate students with disabilities.

“I am really excited to use this space when I take the teaching STEM courses,” said Simon Rosenberg '26, an elementary and special education major.

With both science lab benches and traditional seating, teacher education students are fully equipped to learn best practices to use with their future students. Another feature, the lab functions as a science space as well as a place for teachers to practice literacy and math lessons. It also serves as a space for education students to connect with the community.

Recently, the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences hosted Marist STEM Night, where four groups of 5-year Master of Science in Education students led children in rotating STEM stations and science activities to support their teacher preparation.

Teacher Candidates Brooke Fanuele '25, Danielle Lipof '25, Jessica Goetchius '25 in the Teaching Methods lab on Marist STEM Night. Photo courtesy of Dr. Katie Harlan Eller, Assistant Professor of Literacy Education.

The space is critical in helping Marist faculty engage in experiential learning opportunities with their students as well. Faculty have a dedicated curriculum preparation room adjacent to the methods lab, where they can set up lessons with hands-on equipment, without interrupting ongoing classes in the lab.

“The Teaching Methods Lab will help future teachers of science and math to feel empowered in a classroom setting,” said Dr. Stephanie Purington, Professional Lecturer of Education, who teaches classes that prepare educators to teach STEM courses.

“Science activities can be taught with everyday materials in an accessible way,” she said.

Teacher Education Program candidates introduce elementary school students to hands-on science activities. Photo by Bobby Oliver/Marist College.

The Five-Year Programs

The growth of the Teacher Education Program at Marist adds to the two five-year programs offered that prepare teacher education students for initial teaching certifications, alongside traditional four-year undergraduate programs.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this program,” said Alexa Rapacciuolo '27, an elementary and special education major. “It will allow me to enter the field earlier than a traditional six-year path.”

Childhood and special education candidates interested in both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science in Teaching degree will pursue an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, and apply for admission to the five-year Master of Science in Education (MSED) in the fall of their undergraduate junior year.

Accepted students begin Master's level work in their junior year. Childhood education candidates also have the opportunity to complete their undergraduate bachelor’s degree, and then apply for Marist’s fully online, accelerated, 15-month MSED program.

Students and future educators work in collaboration at the science lab stations inside of the new Teaching Methods Lab. Photo by Bobby Oliver/Marist College

Adolescent and Special Education candidates interested in receiving degrees in Bachelor of Arts or Science in their chosen discipline, and a Master of Arts in Teaching, pursue an undergraduate degree in their chosen discipline and begin to take master’s level courses during their senior year of undergraduate study.

Accessibility and Educating All Students

Inclusive education is at the heart of Marist’s Teacher Education Program philosophy.

“By having these spaces we acknowledge that teachers will have the opportunity to educate students with different physical and learning needs and abilities,” Dr. Purington said. “We hope to make it apparent in this way that we are here to teach all students.”

The Teaching Methods Lab includes two wheelchair-accessible science benches, not only for teacher candidates who may use a wheelchair but also to prepare teacher education candidates to best educate all of their students.

Learn more about Marist’s Teacher Education Program here.