Are you a dedicated paraprofessional within the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) looking to advance your career in education? The NYCPS offers a range of comprehensive Career Training Programs designed to support your professional growth and help you achieve your aspirations. These programs provide invaluable opportunities for eligible paraprofessionals to earn degrees, gain certifications, and take on leadership roles, all while continuing to contribute to the NYCPS community.
This guide will walk you through the various career training program pathways available, outlining eligibility requirements, application processes, and key benefits. Whether you’re seeking your first bachelor’s degree, aiming for teacher certification, or aspiring to a lead teacher role, there’s a program designed to help you reach your goals.
The Career Training Program (CTP): Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree
The cornerstone of paraprofessional advancement is the Career Training Program (CTP). This program is specifically designed to enable eligible UFT paraprofessionals to pursue and obtain their first bachelor’s degree. Recognizing the financial commitment of higher education, the CTP provides tuition assistance for 3 to 6 credits per semester at participating colleges and universities.
Furthermore, to support academic success, CTP participants enrolled in five or more credit hours are granted Release Time, allowing for 2.5 hours per week dedicated to study. A Summer Stipend option is also available to further assist with study-related expenses during the summer semester. It’s important to note that paraprofessionals are responsible for independently researching, applying to, and enrolling in a participating accredited institution.
CTP Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this impactful career training program, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Full-Time Employment: Applicants must be employed as a full-time paraprofessional within a NYC public school.
- Paraprofessional Status: Be officially payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at the time of application and maintain this status throughout the application school year.
- Degree Pursuit: Candidates must not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
- Matriculation Requirement: Proof of mandatory matriculation into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits is required.
- Exclusions: Substitute Paraprofessionals are not eligible for the CTP.
- Credit Limit: The CTP covers a maximum of 120 credits towards the first bachelor’s degree. Exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This 120-credit limit includes any transfer credits or credits earned before program entry.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is necessary for program eligibility and must be maintained throughout participation. Falling below a 2.0 GPA will result in ineligibility for the CTP Voucher.
- Course Grade Policy: The NYCPS will not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals.
- Financial Responsibility: Paraprofessionals who become ineligible for the CTP are responsible for all subsequent course costs and fees.
CTP Financial Aid Details
Financial aid plays a crucial role in making education accessible. For CTP participants eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant, these resources will be applied to tuition expenses. The NYCPS will then be billed for the remaining tuition balance by the college or university. However, it is important to note that the NYCPS does not cover course materials or any additional college fees such as activity, application, or technology fees, which remain the paraprofessional’s responsibility.
CTP Application Timeline
Applications for the Career Training Program are accepted each semester with the following deadlines:
- Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st
Crucially, an application must be submitted for each semester you wish to participate. Vouchers are semester-specific and cannot be carried over to previous or future semesters.
Click Here for the CTP Fact Sheet
Click Here for the CTP FAQ Document
Click Here for the CTP UFT Paraprofessional Release Time Memo
Click Here for the CTP DC-37 Paraprofessional Release Time Memo
Click Here for the CTP Brochure
Click Here for Approved Colleges and Universities
Click Here for the Summer Stipend Fact Sheet
Click Here for the Summer Stipend Application
Click Here for the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form
Click Here for the CTP Sample Confirmation Email
Important Updates:
- NYCPS Email Requirement: All applicants must use their official NYCPS email address to ensure receipt of confirmation emails and vouchers. Personal email addresses are no longer accepted.
- Voucher College Change: To change the college or university on your voucher, the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form must be submitted. Please allow 48 hours for processing.
- Application Confirmation: Expect a confirmation email within 24-48 hours of submitting your CTP application. If you do not receive confirmation, resubmit your application.
APPLY HERE for the Career Training Program
For detailed application guidance, refer to the CTP Application Guide.
For further inquiries, contact [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program
For paraprofessionals progressing towards teacher certification, the Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) program offers crucial support. This program provides up to 40 days of paid leave to fulfill student teaching requirements, recognizing that some institutions do not accept paraprofessional work in lieu of formal student teaching.
It’s important to note that PSTLOA leaves are limited to 100 per year (50 each for fall and spring) and require prior approval before commencement.
PSTLOA Program Eligibility
To be eligible for this career training opportunity, paraprofessionals must meet these criteria:
- Employment Duration: Be a full-time, active employee with at least one full school year as a paraprofessional (substitute paraprofessional service does not qualify).
- Current Status: Be payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at application and maintain this status throughout the application school year.
- GPA: Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in their program of study.
- Enrollment in NYSED Approved Program: Be enrolled in a New York State Education Department (NYSED) approved program leading to New York State teaching certification. Programs from online or out-of-state colleges must be officially NYSED-approved to be considered. Non-NYSED approved online or out-of-state programs are ineligible.
- Category Alignment: Eligible paraprofessionals must fall into one of these categories:
- Category A: Degree in education (undergraduate or graduate) lacking student teaching for certification recommendation.
- Category B: Enrolled in a Master’s degree program for initial certification requiring student teaching.
- Category C: Enrolled in an undergraduate program for initial certification requiring student teaching.
PSTLOA Program Restrictions
- Document Submission Deadline: All required documents must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the requested leave date.
- Limited Availability: PSTLOA applications are offered annually with limited slots in the fall and spring.
- Full-Time Status: Applicants must be full-time paraprofessionals at application and maintain this status.
- Leave Prioritization: Leaves are granted based on need, prioritizing those who have already graduated from teacher education programs.
- One-Time Application: Applicants can only apply for PSTLOA once.
- Leave Duration: The program allows for up to 40 days of student teaching. For longer leaves, applicants must apply for an unpaid extended leave via the SOE Self-Service Online Leave Application System (SOLAS).
- Certification Focus: Leave is granted only for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification.
- Ineligible Positions: Leaves are not granted for non-teaching roles like school counselors, psychologists, social workers, or attendance teachers.
Click here to view the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview
PSTLOA Application Timeline
- Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st
- Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (Application is currently CLOSED due to reaching capacity.)
APPLY HERE for the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program
Ensure application submission by clicking the SUBMIT button. Confirmation emails will be sent upon successful submission. Resubmit if you do not receive confirmation.
Mail required documents to:
New York City Public Schools
Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services
65 Court Street, Room 508, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Attn: Paraprofessional Student Teaching LOA Program
For inquiries, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
Another valuable career training initiative is the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program. This program supports paraprofessionals pursuing graduate education to become certified teachers by reimbursing up to 12 graduate credits. New York State certification must be obtained after September 1st of the application year and program guidelines must be followed. Eligibility requires maintaining full-time paraprofessional status throughout the application year.
Click here for Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information
Graduate Reimbursement Program Eligibility
- Program Matriculation: Must be admitted and fully matriculated into a NYS-approved and accredited graduate education program for teacher certification.
- Credit Completion: Completion of at least 12 graduate credits within the program.
- Paraprofessional Experience: Minimum of one full year of paid experience as a paraprofessional in NYCPS.
- Current Employment: Be payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at application and maintain this status.
- Eligible Coursework: Reimbursable coursework must be part of a master’s degree program in education leading to teaching certification.
- Classroom Teaching Discipline: Eligible graduate programs must be in a classroom teaching discipline.
- Ineligible Coursework: Pre-requisite or required content courses are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Minimum Grade: Coursework must have a passing grade of “B” or better for reimbursement.
Graduate Reimbursement Program Restrictions
- Reimbursement Rate: Reimbursements are capped at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- Ineligible Disciplines: Programs in non-teacher education disciplines (Guidance Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Attendance Teachers, Speech Pathologists, etc.) are ineligible.
- Pre-Admission Coursework: Reimbursement does not apply to pre-requisite courses or coursework taken before program admission.
- No Release Time: Release time is not applicable for graduate credits.
- Initial Certification Focus: The program only reimburses courses required for initial certification.
- Financial Aid Coordination: If other financial aid is received, it will be applied first. NYCPS will cover the remaining tuition up to the reimbursement limit.
- Check Pickup: Reimbursement checks must be picked up in person at the Office of Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services (65 Court Street, 5th floor, Room 508, Brooklyn, NY 11201) with photo ID.
APPLY HERE for the Graduate Reimbursement Program
Submit applications by clicking the SUBMIT button. Confirmation emails will be sent upon successful submission. Resubmit if you do not receive confirmation.
Mail required documents to:
New York City Public Schools
Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services
65 Court Street, Room 508, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Attn: Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
For inquiries, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
To further ease the transition to teaching, the NYCPS offers a Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program. This career training benefit provides a one-time reimbursement of up to $400.00 for state teacher certificate application and NYS certification exam fees. Applicants must be full-time paraprofessionals at application and maintain this status.
Click Here for Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview
Click Here for Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application
Testing Reimbursement Program Eligibility
- NYS Certification Attainment: NYS teacher certification must be achieved on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Receipts Required: Applicants must provide receipts for NYS Examinations and the NYS Teacher Application.
- Reimbursement Timeline: Reimbursement requests must be made within one year of certification.
Required Documentation
- Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Application
- NYS Teacher Application and NYS Examination receipts
- Proof of passing required certification exams
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For inquiries, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) Opportunities
For paraprofessionals seeking leadership experience, the NYCPS offers the Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions. These annual roles are open to active, full-time paraprofessionals and provide opportunities for expanded classroom and school support under teacher supervision. LTAs/BLTAs enhance their skills and gain valuable experience on a career pathway that can lead to teaching roles. Eligible paraprofessionals receive additional compensation up to $5,000 annually, reverting to their previous title and salary at the end of each school year.
Click Here for LTA/BLTA Position Posting
APPLY HERE for LTA/BLTA Positions
LTA/BLTA Position Eligibility
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
- Teacher Assistant Certification: Must possess an active NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III).
- Transcript and Certificate Submission: Submission of transcripts (official or unofficial) showing degree conferral date and a copy of the Teaching Assistant Certificate are required.
- NYCPS Experience: One year of full-time, active paraprofessional service at NYCDOE.
- Attendance and Punctuality: Satisfactory attendance and punctuality records.
- Bilingual LTA Fluency: Bilingual LTA applicants must demonstrate fluency in the relevant language (reading, writing, comprehending, and speaking).
LTA/BLTA Application Timeline
- Annual Application Period: January 1st – March 31st
Explore these valuable career training programs and take the next step in your educational career within the NYC Public Schools. Your dedication and experience are invaluable, and these programs are designed to empower your professional journey.
[Image of diverse group of teachers collaborating]
For LTA/BLTA inquiries, contact [email protected] or 718-935-2449.
