Bank Street vs. Hunter

[omgwc]

I was admitted into Bank Street's early childhood/childhood general education dual certification program (birth - grade 6) and Hunter College's childhood education program (grade 1 - 6) for the upcoming Fall. However, I'm having a bit of difficulty deciding between the two. I feel that Bank Street's learning is more individualized and has a great fieldwork program, but even with the financial aid I received, the cost is still about three times higher than Hunter's. I also feel that even though Bank Street has a great reputation, it is not that well known.

 

Is Bank Street worth the extra cost? Or has anyone been a student at either of these schools (or know of someone that has) that can share their opinion on the matter? Any advice would be helpful, thanks!

[hj2012]

If you're looking to become an elementary school teacher, you're probably best off going to the most affordable option. I don't know if it's possible to justify 3x the cost when the job outcome will likely be the same or similar.

[schpsy92]

Well, one thing to consider is that Bank Street's program will allow you to be dually certified - which makes you significantly more marketable for jobs in the relatively competitive elementary ed field (in New York). But, I personally don't think it's worth 3x the cost. 

[omgwc]

One of the main reasons I am leaning more towards Bank Street is because of the dual certification program. Although Hunter is definitely more affordable, I'm a bit concerned about getting a job afterwards with only a grade 1 -6 certifcation because I would like to stay in New York. Any childhood education students/graduates have any advice? 

[schpsy92]

One of the main reasons I am leaning more towards Bank Street is because of the dual certification program. Although Hunter is definitely more affordable, I'm a bit concerned about getting a job afterwards with only a grade 1 -6 certifcation because I would like to stay in New York. Any childhood education students/graduates have any advice? 

 

Well, I'm not a teacher or a teacher ed student, but I've worked in school systems for quite a while (as employee / volunteer) all throughout NY State. It is quite difficult to get a teaching job purely with elementary certification, especially in Long Island and Westchester County. I've heard a single 3rd grade teaching position on LI receive over 800 applications, and I bet this happens on a fairly regular basis.