SLU’s Murphy Institute for Worker Education is dedicated to expanding higher educational opportunities to union members and adult learners to help them achieve their academic and career goals. It collaborates with other CUNY units across the five boroughs of New York City to offer pre- and post-admission services, including basic skills workshops, counseling, tutoring, and test preparation. In some instances, tuition support may also be available. The Institute’s College Access Program for Working Adults matches personal and career interests of individual students with colleges and programs throughout the CUNY system.
Contact
Dr. Maryam (Sara) Esfarayeni
Director of Worker Education
maryam.esfarayeni@slu.cuny.edu
646-313-8530
Our Goals
- Provide individualized support services and education for adults in three areas: basic skills, job-related skills, and liberal arts education.
- Expand existing services and create new opportunities for adult learners to advance their career goals, achieve personal growth, and understand their rights.
- Embed college-access services for adult learners into communities of greater NYC
Continuing & Professional Education
Courses designed to prepare adult learners for college entry and provide them with the skills and training necessary for a successful career.
College Preparation and Academic ESOL Bridge to College – These Free classes serve as a bridge to college. It is designed for adults motivated to pursue a degree program, improve their English reading/writing and critical thinking skills, and adjust to becoming a student again. The program is open to adult learners 21 and older with a high school diploma or equivalent.
NY Teacher Certification Exam Prep Workshops – SLU offers several free virtual preparatory workshops for Educating All Students Test (EAS), the Multi-subject Content Specialty Test (CST) for Birth–Grade 2, Grades 1–6, and Grades 7–12; and Students with Disabilities (SWD). These workshops are open to LEAP to Teacher (LTT) students, school and daycare workers as well as CUNY students pursuing teacher certification. LTT students receive priority admission.
NY State Teaching Assistant (ATAS) Exam Prep Workshop – SLU’s Worker Education offers a free six week exam preparation workshop for Current CUNY students interested in earning New York State Teaching Assistant Certification. The workshop prepares participants for the NYS ATAS exam. Students in Education major receive priority admission.
NY State Mandatory Training for Educators – the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, is an approved New York State provider offering required trainings for educators including Child Abuse Identification and Reporting, Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Training, School Violence Prevention, and training on the needs of children with Autism. These trainings are open to LEAP to Teacher students (LTT); CUNY students enrolled in the current semester. LTT students receive priority admission.
Career & Professional Development Training – These workshops provide flexible learning options—from stand alone sessions to six to eight week mini series designed to enhance classroom practice and support educators’ career advancement. Workshop topics include Math for Early Childhood and Elementary Educators (MFEE), Special Education Essentials (SEE), Classroom Management, Lesson Planning, and more.
Gateway to College & Pathways to Careers
LEAP to Teacher (LTT) – specialized set of support services designed to empower UFT and DC37 school and daycare workers to become more effective in their schools and more impactful in their communities.
CUNY Days: Access to College Program for Working Adults – aims to match the personal and career interests of individual students with colleges and programs throughout the CUNY system.
The Murphy Institute for Worker Education at Queens College – a collaboration between CUNY SLU and Queens College to support union members in earning a degree, advancing their careers, and achieving personal growth.
Workforce Development Research
Specific research initiatives designed and executed in collaboration with our union partners. Potential areas of focus include:
- Assessing members’ educational needs and interests
- Analyzing members’ CUNY enrollment patterns
- Studying the impact of a CUNY degree on members’ careers