Teach For America corps members placed in New York City have the option of attending Bank Street College of Education for their graduate work. We have compiled the answers to some of the questions most frequently asked by TFA corps members.
What is the focus of a Bank Street College graduate program?
We believe in caring, humane, socially responsible education that supports children's efforts to become fully engaged in their own learning as they seek to understand themselves and the world. Because this emphasis on children is at the center of our work, you will find our faculty to be dedicated to helping graduate students become outstanding educators. Read Our Credo.
Why should I choose Bank Street?
As a new teacher, you will benefit from the small classes and individualized support offered by instructors and advisors. The coursework is hands-on and practical; as you integrate theory and practice, you will be able to apply what you are learning immediately in your classroom. At Bank Street, we offer small, learner-centered classes, extensive supervised fieldwork/advisement, and a faculty committed to your professional growth and development. Read what graduates have to say!
Which programs can I apply for?
TFA corps members can apply for the following master's degree programs, leading to initial New York State certification upon graduation:
What are the admissions requirements?
Candidates for the Graduate School must possess a bachelor's degree. All programs that lead to New York State certification require a strong background in the liberal arts and sciences, including both breadth (coursework in a number of areas) and depth (a ten-course concentration in one liberal arts area). Candidates for programs that lead to middle school certification must have majored in a teachable subject (math, science, English, history, or a foreign language) at the undergraduate level; see above. A transcript review will be completed as part of the admissions process. Bank Street does not require any standardized tests such as GRE's.
What kind of students does Bank Street look for?
We look for candidates who have the potential to be wonderful teachers, educators and specialists. Bank Street boasts a diverse array of mature and talented students, including recent liberal arts graduates, experienced teachers focusing on a specialization, and people interested in second careers in education and in various child advocacy professions. We look for candidates who are academically prepared to pursue a rigorous program, who possess highly developed interpersonal skills and emotional stability, and who have a commitment to children and to their education.
What is the advisement process for which Bank Street is known?
During one or two year(s) of your program (while also taking courses), you will be supervised by a Bank Street faculty advisor while you work fulltime as a TFA corps member. Your advisor will visit your classroom regularly, and the two of you will meet individually to conference about your ongoing development as a professional. In addition, you will be in a conference group of five to seven graduate students and your faculty advisor. As a group you will meet often to discuss issues and exchange ideas as you work to integrate theory and practice. Through this sharing of insights with other students and your advisor, you will learn to solve problems, evaluate strategies, and define and refine values.
How much will graduate school cost?
Tuition at Bank Street is charged on a per-credit basis, so the cost of a Bank Street education varies according to program length and completion time. As a TFA corps member, you will pay a reduced tuition rate. Federal loans are available to help you cover these costs. Part of your payment will come from your two AmeriCorps vouchers, which you will sign over to Bank Street.
What is the process for applying for federal loans?
Candidates should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. More information (and the FAFSA form) is available in the Financial Aid Office and the Admissions Office, or online at http://www.bankstreet.edu/gs/loans.html. Bank Street's institutional code is G02669.
How can I find out more?
You are welcome to contact us at the numbers below. You may also download an abbreviated TFA at Bank Street application.
For answers to other admissions questions, call 212-875-4404 or e-mail gradcourses@bankstreet.edu.
Ann Morgan, Director of Graduate Admissions
Kristin McCracken, Associate Director (on sabbatical Summer 2008)
Ash Kherdekar, Assistant Director
LaVerne Pratt, Senior Office Assistant
Diana Pondt, Senior Office Assistant
For answers to Financial Aid questions, call (212) 875-4408 or e-mail finaid@bankstreet.edu.
Louis Palefsky, Director of Financial Aid
Adrienne King, Assistant Director
Kaisha Lopez, Financial Aid Counselor
Christopher Ballantine, Senior Office Assistant
Bank Street College
610 West 112th Street
New York, NY 10025