Students in Alfred University’s education program are required to complete two or more teacher certification exams— taken during their senior year or after graduation—in order to become certified to teach in New York State. The requirement is in addition to completion of three state workshops and the conferral of their degree. According to the state Education Department’s most recent report, from 2024, 98 percent of Alfred students passed their licensing exams.
Alfred University students—undergraduates earning education degrees from the university’s main campus and through its partnership offered at Corning Community College— scored a 100 percent passing rate in the critical Educating All Students (EAS, 201) and all Early Childhood (EC) subtests. Alfred graduates’ scores for Early Childhood went from an average of 85 percent passing in 2023 to 100 percent in 2024, while the average passing rate for the EAS subtest improved from 90 percent to 100 percent.
Secondary and Art Education teaching candidates achieved 100-percent proficiency across all of the required Content Specialty Tests, including Social Studies, Math, Visual Arts, and English and Language Arts (ELA).
Alfred University’s success in producing highly qualified teachers, and in the continued growth in enrollment in its education program, is a result of faculty innovation and the fostering of strong community partnerships, according to Sarah Olbrantz, Assistant Professor of Education and Chair of the Division of Education.
“Our faculty go beyond traditional teaching; we model the exact qualities we cultivate in our students, such as having a growth mindset, data-driven practices, and a commitment to supporting every learner. The program attracts dedicated students who are passionate about teaching and willing to put in the effort to excel in the classroom,” Olbrantz commented.
“Although Alfred University is in a rural area, the education program has built connections with more than 14 local school districts and partners across New York State. These relationships put Alfred students in classrooms early in the program, giving them firsthand experience of what teaching looks like in our region,” Olbrantz said. “This ongoing collaboration with local school districts directly shapes our curriculum, ensuring we are preparing transformative teachers specifically equipped to meet the needs of every learner.”
Each year, Alfred University typically graduates between 35 and 45 students with undergraduate teaching degrees from both the main campus and the Corning campus. The cohort completion rate across all education programs at Alfred was 100 percent in 2024.
