Dropping the GRE and adding flexibility improves equity and access to graduate teacher certification programs
You no longer need to take the GRE (graduate record examination) or another standardized graduate admissions exam to pursue a teacher preparation master’s degree – which makes a teaching degree more accessible.
“This is an important move toward equity, and toward welcoming more talented people to become teachers and to advance in the profession, by making the application process easier and more affordable,” said Kathleen M. DaBoll-Lavoie, Ph.D., dean of the Nazareth College School of Education. Graduate admissions exams and test preparation services are costly and time-consuming, which can be a barrier, and research suggests standardized tests are not necessarily predictive of academic success.
The removal of the standardized test requirement, which allows for a more holistic review of applicants’ strengths, supports Nazareth College’s commitment to transformative education that prepares and inspires courageous changemakers for their life’s work. “If you would be a great teacher, we encourage you to connect with us and explore your next steps to becoming exactly the teacher you’re meant to be,” said DaBoll-Lavoie. “Students need you and what you have to offer.”
DaBoll-Lavoie added, “A diverse, dedicated workforce of teachers is valuable to prepare children well for our increasingly diverse and interconnected world.”
Nazareth’s high-quality education degrees offer personalized attention and are formatted to fit busy lives — such as hybrid courses that bring you to campus just one night per week in the fall and spring (with additional face-to-face meeting time during the summer) and the remainder happens online.
A second change by New York state enables colleges to accept into graduate teaching programs more high-potential students whose undergraduate grade point average was below 3.0, providing more flexibility for people who had extenuating circumstances.
“Nazareth is looking for people eager to learn and practice the strategies to make a difference in children’s lives through education,” said Judith Baker, director of Graduate Admissions. “And we are here to provide personal attention and guidance to support you.” She offers live chats, virtual info sessions, and virtual meetings to learn about Nazareth’s education programs and admissions.
Nazareth’s graduate education programs lead to initial, professional, and additional certification. You can gain the expertise and experience to teach across the age spectrum (birth to grade 12) in a variety of areas and disciplines.
For More Information
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
