Foundations and Social Advocacy

Our mission is to prepare educators who are committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with disabilities.

At SUNY Cortland, our inclusive childhood education program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to teach all children in grades 1-6 classrooms, including those with disabilities. The program emphasizes best practices and prepares you to work in diverse school settings.

Through student teaching and fieldwork, you’ll gain real-world experience that bridges theory and practice. You’ll also collaborate with professionals and families in high-need communities, working to promote equity and excellence in education.

For those who are already certified, FSA offers an online Master's degree program in Teaching Students with Disabilities. If you are interested in school leadership, we also offer two Certificate in Advanced Study (C.A.S.) programs in Educational Administration, preparing you for roles as a school building leader or district business leader.

With a strong reputation for preparing high-quality teachers and leaders, Cortland is proud to contribute to meeting the growing demand for skilled educators in this important and rewarding field. 

Vision Statement

The Foundations and Social Advocacy Department envisions an equitable and just world, where the needs of all people are heard, valued, and met.

Core Values

Educational and Social Equity

• Identifying and confronting inequity
• Teaching effectively in high-need environments
• Increasing diversity of the teaching force, especially among underrepresented groups

Inclusivity

• Recognizing disability as a civil rights issue
• Welcoming and respecting all students, their families, and the wider community
• Challenging all teachers and students to realize high expectations

Advocacy for Systems Change

• Critically analyzing social systems and structures through an interdisciplinary approach
• Creating a culture of activism among ourselves, our students, and the broader community
• Promoting collaborative working relationships among teachers, schools, universities, and communities