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 Prep in Math & English – This Free program acts as a bridge to college. It is designed for adults motivated to pursue a degree program, improve their reading/writing or math 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 the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA), Educating All Students Test (EAS), Elementary ATS-W, and the Multi-subject Content Specialty Test (CST). These workshops are open to the LEAP to Teacher, UFT, and CUNY students pursuing teacher certification.
Math for Elementary Educators – A 32-hour online refresher course covers all required mathematics competencies for a NY State-certified elementary teacher. It was designed to improve interactions with students in the math class and enhance the instructor’s confidence to become an effective problem solver. Upon completion, students are eligible to earn 20 CTLE credit hours.
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