Iona University has introduced a series of new and revised master's degree programs in education aimed at addressing nationwide teacher shortages. These programs are designed to provide greater job flexibility, particularly in high-need areas such as literacy, special education, and bilingual education.

The offerings include a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with specializations in Literacy (All Grades) and Special Education (All Grades). Additionally, Iona has launched a Bilingual Extension for Teachers and a Bilingual Extension in School Psychology.

These programs aim to offer maximum flexibility for graduates to work across all grade levels from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. This "all grades" certification model is intended to help districts facing teacher shortages by allowing educators to move between different schools more easily, adhering to New York State requirements.

Applications are currently open for Fall 2024. For additional information, interested parties can contact Shantell Smith at ssmith@iona.edu or 914-633-2440 or visit iona.edu.

“Iona has a long history of preparing top educators to teach in New York State and beyond,” said Joseph E. Stabile, Ph.D., dean of the School of Arts & Science. “Our dedicated faculty, small class sizes and hands-on fieldwork help ensure our graduates are well-prepared for fulfilling careers ahead.”

Iona’s comprehensive master’s programs are tailored for educators seeking New York State certification. Emphasizing inclusivity and a practitioner-focused approach, these programs prepare educators to meet the diverse needs of students in today's classrooms.

Offered on campus with some hybrid or online courses available, the programs blend theoretical knowledge with practical application. The MSEd programs are ideal for current initially certified educators looking to support students requiring specialized education services.

"These new programs widen the scope of possibilities, as graduates will be able to get a job teaching at any grade level without needing additional certifications,” said Dr. Katherine Zaromatidis, director of Graduate Studies in the School of Arts & Science. "Iona is proud to continue to bring forth the next generation of New York’s teachers."

Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private Catholic institution located just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville, Iona serves nearly 4,000 students and boasts an alumni base exceeding 50,000 globally. The university offers undergraduate degrees across various disciplines as well as several master’s degrees and advanced certificate programs.

Iona's academic excellence is recognized by prestigious rankings including The Princeton Review’s “The Best 389 Colleges” list for 2024 and The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse’s “2024 Best Colleges in America,” where it ranked #66 overall and #8 among Catholic schools nationally. Its LaPenta School of Business holds AACSB International accreditation—a distinction held by only six percent of business schools worldwide—and its on-campus MBA program was named a “Best Business School for 2023” by The Princeton Review.

In July 2021, Iona announced the establishment of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences on its Bronxville campus. Reflecting its growth and academic prestige, Iona transitioned from college to university status on July 1, 2022.