Bridge to the City provides students in the Inclusive Education undergraduate programs with a guided student teaching experience in a challenging urban environment, while connecting New York City schools to the School of Education’s faculty, resources, and graduates.
This unique opportunity allows teacher candidates in the Inclusive Childhood Education and Inclusive Adolescent Education programs to sharpen your skills and broaden their perspectives on cultures, families, and professional practices. Bridge to the City is typically available as an option during the fall of the senior year.
Eligible students will be notified and can apply to participate for Fall 2025
Deadline: November 9, 2024
Before you begin your application, be sure you have the following ready:
The selection committee looks for and considers:
Students accepted into Bridge to The City must be registered as full-time students at the University, enrolled in all the appropriate courses and seminars their program requires during the student teaching semester. Students must meet with their Financial Aid advisor to determine the level of support they will receive for housing in NYC for the semester of their placements (usually similar to the level of support they receive on campus). All students are expected to pay for their own food and transportation expenses.
The School of Education arranges housing for all of our students who student-teach in NYC; students are expected to live in the university-arranged housing, not with family or friends who might live in the area. Part of the strength of the program is living in a community with other SU student teachers and experiencing the city together.
Students have two 7-week general or special education student teaching placements. The School of Education has partnerships with schools across NYC, including Community Roots School, PS 212 Midtown West, and PS 363 Neighborhood School; many of these schools have alumni working there. We place at least 2 student teachers at each school at a time, allowing for students to travel to and from the schools in groups. Placements are accessible from student housing by public transportation or within walking distance.
Just like in other parts of the inclusive program, student teachers in NYC are observed and provided feedback by SU supervisors including retired educators, current doctoral students, or other educators. The supervisor will know the expectations of the program, provide feedback, and serve as a liaison with faculty.
Courses during the Bridge to the City semester are arranged to fit in the NYC student teaching schedule. Students participate in these courses virtually from the Fisher Center in midtown Manhattan, one night per week. Part of the courses may also be held on campus in a concentrated fashion before student teaching begins or during a short school break to allow NYC students to attend.
Want to help future Bridge to the City participants get this life-changing experience? Support us with a gift today.