Are you a dedicated paraprofessional in the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) passionate about education and looking to advance your career? The Career Training Program (CTP) offers an incredible opportunity for eligible paraprofessionals like you to earn your first Bachelor’s degree, tuition-free, while continuing to work in the school system. This program is designed to support your professional growth and pave the way for a rewarding career as a teacher within the NYC DOE.
What is the Career Training Program (CTP)?
The Career Training Program is a unique initiative by the NYC DOE specifically for full-time paraprofessionals represented by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). It provides tuition assistance for undergraduate studies at participating colleges and universities, enabling you to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. The program covers 3 to 6 credits per semester, making higher education accessible and affordable.
Recognizing the demands of balancing work and study, the CTP also offers valuable Release Time. Paraprofessionals enrolled in five (5) or more credit hours are eligible for two and a half (2.5) hours of paid release time per week. This dedicated time allows you to focus on your studies, attend classes, or complete assignments, ensuring you can succeed in your academic pursuits without compromising your work responsibilities.
Furthermore, to provide additional support during intensive study periods, the program offers a Summer Stipend for eligible participants. This stipend can help offset living expenses or further educational costs during the summer semester, allowing you to maintain momentum in your degree program year-round.
It’s important to note that while the CTP provides substantial support, participants are responsible for taking the initiative in their education journey. This includes researching, applying, and enrolling in a degree program at one of the approved participating colleges or universities. This self-directed approach empowers you to choose a program and institution that best aligns with your career aspirations and personal needs.
CTP Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this valuable career advancement opportunity, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Full-time Paraprofessional Status: You must be a full-time paraprofessional currently employed in a NYC public school.
- Payroll Status: You need to be officially payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional when you apply and maintain this status throughout the application school year.
- No Bachelor’s Degree: This program is designed for paraprofessionals who are yet to earn their first Bachelor’s degree.
- Matriculation Requirement: You must demonstrate proof of mandatory matriculation into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits. This ensures you are on a clear path towards degree completion.
- Exclusion of Substitute Paraprofessionals: Substitute paraprofessionals are not eligible for the CTP Program.
- Credit Limit: The Career Training Program covers up to 120 credits towards your first Bachelor’s degree. This limit includes any transfer credits or credits earned before joining the program. Exceptions to this credit limit may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you enter the program with existing credits, the program will cover the remaining credits up to the 120-credit maximum.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 is required to be eligible for the program.
- Maintaining Academic Standards: You must maintain a minimum “C” grade point average (2.0) throughout your participation in the program to remain eligible. Falling below this GPA will result in ineligibility for the CTP Voucher.
- Course Grade Policy: The NYC Public Schools will not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. It is your responsibility to ensure successful course completion.
- Financial Responsibility: If you become ineligible for the Career Training Program, you will be financially responsible for all subsequent course credits, tuition, and associated fees.
Financial Aid and Support
The Career Training Program is strategically designed to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses for tuition. For paraprofessionals who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant or the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant, these financial aid sources will be utilized first to cover tuition costs. The NYC Public Schools will then be billed for the remaining tuition balance, effectively bridging the gap and ensuring comprehensive tuition coverage.
However, it’s important to understand that the NYCPS financial support through CTP is specifically for tuition. The program does not cover additional college fees such as activity fees, application fees, technology fees, or course materials like textbooks. These costs remain the responsibility of the paraprofessional participant. Therefore, while the CTP significantly reduces the financial burden of pursuing a degree, planning for these ancillary expenses is crucial.
How to Apply for the CTP
Applying for the Career Training Program is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to adhere to the application deadlines for each semester:
- Fall Semester: Applications are accepted from May 1st to June 30th.
- Spring Semester: Applications are accepted from September 1st to October 31st.
- Summer Semester: Applications are accepted from February 1st to March 31st.
Crucially, a separate application must be submitted for each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer) you wish to participate in the program. Vouchers are semester-specific and cannot be rolled over or applied to previous or future semesters. Therefore, plan your applications carefully to align with your study schedule.
Important Application Notes:
- NYCPS Email Address: To ensure you receive your application confirmation and voucher promptly, you must use your official NYCPS email address when applying. The application system no longer accepts email addresses from external domains.
- Confirmation Email: Upon successful application submission, you should receive a confirmation email within 24-48 hours. If you do not receive this confirmation, your application was not properly submitted, and you will need to re-apply.
- Voucher Changes: If you need to change the college or university name on your voucher, you must download and submit the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form. Allow 48 hours for processing such requests.
For detailed step-by-step guidance on the application process, refer to the CTP Application Guide.
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For any further inquiries or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Career Training Program team via email at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 935-2449.
Explore Other Career Advancement Opportunities for Paraprofessionals
Beyond the Career Training Program, the NYC Public Schools offers a range of additional programs designed to support paraprofessionals in their journey towards becoming certified teachers and advancing their careers in education. Here’s a brief overview of these valuable resources:
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program (PSTLOA)
This program provides eligible paraprofessionals with a 40-day paid leave of absence to fulfill student teaching requirements, a crucial step in obtaining teacher certification. This leave is especially beneficial when colleges do not accept paraprofessional work experience in lieu of formal student teaching. Applications are required and subject to approval, with a limited number of leaves available each semester. For more information, please review the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
For paraprofessionals already enrolled in a graduate education program leading to teacher certification, this program offers reimbursement for up to twelve (12) graduate credits. This financial assistance helps reduce the cost of pursuing a Master’s degree in education and achieving New York State teacher certification. Eligibility criteria and application procedures are detailed in the Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information document.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
This program provides a one-time reimbursement of up to $400.00 to cover the costs of the New York State teacher certificate application and required certification examinations. This financial support eases the burden of testing fees associated with becoming a certified teacher in NYCPS. Details about eligibility and application can be found in the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview and the Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA)
The Lead Teacher Assistant position offers experienced paraprofessionals an opportunity to take on enhanced roles in the classroom, supporting instruction under the guidance of a classroom teacher. This annual position provides additional compensation (up to $5,000) and serves as a valuable step in career advancement, potentially leading to a teaching career. More information is available in the LTA/BLTA Position Posting.
Conclusion
The Career Training Program and related initiatives by the NYC DOE represent a significant investment in the professional development of paraprofessionals. By providing tuition assistance, release time, and other forms of support, these programs empower dedicated individuals to achieve their academic and career goals within the NYC public school system. If you are an eligible paraprofessional, we encourage you to explore these opportunities and take the first step towards a brighter future in education. Your commitment to NYC students, combined with these resources, can pave the way for a fulfilling and impactful career as a teacher.
