For dedicated paraprofessionals in New York City’s public schools, the dream of leading their own classroom is closer than you might think. The New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) recognizes the invaluable experience and commitment of its paraprofessionals and offers a robust suite of career training programs designed to support their journey towards becoming certified teachers. These programs, particularly the flagship Career Training Program (CTP), provide financial assistance, professional development, and pathways to navigate the steps required to achieve a teaching career right here in NYC.
The Career Training Program (CTP): Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree and More
The cornerstone of NYCPS’s commitment to its paraprofessionals is the Career Training Program (CTP). This program is specifically designed to empower eligible paraprofessionals who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to achieve this crucial first step in their teaching career aspirations.
What the CTP Offers:
- Tuition Coverage: CTP directly pays tuition costs for up to 6 credits per semester for undergraduate study at participating colleges and universities. This significant financial support removes a major barrier for many paraprofessionals looking to advance their education.
- Release Time for Study: For participants enrolled in five or more credit hours, CTP provides 2.5 hours of paid release time per week. This dedicated study time during work hours acknowledges the demanding schedules of working professionals and supports their academic success.
- Summer Stipend Opportunities: To further assist with the financial demands of higher education, paraprofessionals in the CTP can apply for a Summer Stipend to support their studies during the summer semesters.
Eligibility for the Career Training Program:
To be considered for this valuable career training program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Full-Time Paraprofessional Status: Applicants must be currently employed and payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional within the NYC public school system and maintain this status throughout the application school year. Substitute paraprofessionals are not eligible.
- No Bachelor’s Degree: The program is for paraprofessionals who are yet to earn their first bachelor’s degree.
- Matriculation Requirement: Participants must demonstrate proof of matriculation into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits.
- Credit Limit: The CTP covers up to 120 credits towards the completion of the first bachelor’s degree. This includes any transfer credits or credits earned before entering the program. Exceptions to the 120-credit limit are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for initial eligibility and must be maintained to remain in the program. Dropping below a 2.0 GPA will result in ineligibility for the CTP Voucher.
- Course Grade Policy: NYCPS will not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. Paraprofessionals are financially responsible for these courses if they occur.
Financial Aid and CTP:
It’s important to note how financial aid interacts with the CTP. For paraprofessionals who qualify for Federal Pell Grants or New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants, these sources will be utilized first to cover tuition expenses. NYCPS will then be billed for the remaining tuition balance not covered by these grants. However, it’s crucial to understand that NYCPS does not cover additional college fees such as activity, application, or technology fees. These remain the responsibility of the paraprofessional.
Application Windows:
To apply for the CTP, be mindful of the application windows for each semester:
- Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st
Important Application Notes:
- An application is required for each semester you wish to participate (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Vouchers are semester-specific and cannot be carried over.
- Use Your NYCPS Email: To ensure you receive your confirmation email and voucher, applications must be submitted using your official NYCPS email address. Personal email addresses will no longer be accepted.
- College/University Changes: If you need to change the college or university listed on your voucher, you must submit the “CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form.” Allow 48 hours for processing.
- Confirmation Emails: You should receive a confirmation email within 24-48 hours of submitting your application. If you do not receive a confirmation, your application was not successfully submitted and must be resubmitted.
Ready to Apply?
For step-by-step guidance, review the CTP Application Guide.
For any further questions, contact [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Beyond the Bachelor’s: Further Pathways to Teaching
The NYCPS commitment to paraprofessional career development extends beyond the CTP, offering additional programs to support various stages of the journey to becoming a certified teacher.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program (PSTLOA)
For paraprofessionals nearing the completion of their teacher preparation, the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program (PSTLOA) provides crucial support. This program offers 40 days of paid leave to complete mandatory student teaching requirements. Recognizing that some institutions do not accept paraprofessional work experience in lieu of formal student teaching, the PSTLOA ensures that eligible paraprofessionals can fulfill this requirement without financial hardship.
Key Features of PSTLOA:
- Paid Leave: Up to 40 days of paid leave for student teaching.
- Limited Availability: The program is capped at 100 leaves per year (50 in the fall and 50 in the spring) and is application-based. Approval is required before commencing leave.
PSTLOA Eligibility:
- Full-Time Employment and Experience: Applicants must be full-time, active paraprofessionals with at least one full school year of experience (substitute experience does not count).
- GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the program of study is required.
- Enrollment in NYSED-Approved Program: Applicants must be enrolled in a New York State Education Department (NYSED) approved program leading to New York State teaching certification. Online or out-of-state programs must be NYSED-approved to be eligible.
- Category Eligibility: Applicants must fall into one of these categories:
- Category A: Paraprofessionals with an education degree but lacking student teaching for certification.
- Category B: Paraprofessionals in a Master’s program for initial certification needing student teaching.
- Category C: Paraprofessionals in an undergraduate program for initial certification needing student teaching.
PSTLOA Restrictions:
- Document Deadlines: All required documents must be submitted at least four weeks before the requested leave date.
- Limited Annual Applications: Applications are only available during fall and spring and are limited.
- One-Time Application: Paraprofessionals can only apply for PSTLOA once.
- Initial Certification Focus: Leave is granted only for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification, not for non-teaching positions.
PSTLOA Application Windows:
- Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st
- Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (Application currently CLOSED – cap reached)
Learn More and Apply:
Review the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview for detailed information and required documents.
[APPLY HERE](Application link – same as CTP likely)
Email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449 for inquiries.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
For paraprofessionals pursuing a graduate degree in education, the Graduate Reimbursement Program offers financial assistance towards their advanced studies. NYCPS will reimburse up to 12 graduate credits for eligible paraprofessionals enrolled in a graduate program leading to teacher certification.
Graduate Reimbursement Program Highlights:
- Tuition Reimbursement: Reimbursement for up to 12 graduate credits at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- Graduate Program Focus: Must be matriculated in a NYS-approved graduate education program leading to teacher certification.
- Experience Requirement: At least one full year of paid experience as an NYCPS paraprofessional.
Graduate Reimbursement Eligibility:
- Graduate Program Enrollment: Must be admitted and matriculated into a NYS-approved graduate education program for teacher certification.
- Credit Completion: Completion of at least 12 credits towards the graduate program.
- Classroom Teaching Discipline: Eligible graduate programs must be in a classroom teaching discipline (Guidance Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, etc., are ineligible).
- Course Grade Requirement: Coursework must have a passing grade of “B” or better to be eligible for reimbursement.
Graduate Reimbursement Restrictions:
- CUNY Reimbursement Rate: Reimbursement is capped at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- No Reimbursement for Non-Teaching Disciplines: Programs not leading to NYS classroom teacher certification are ineligible.
- No Pre-requisite Course Reimbursement: Reimbursement does not apply to pre-requisite courses or coursework taken before program admission.
Graduate Reimbursement Application Window:
- Annual Application: February 1st – March 31st
Explore the Program and Apply:
Learn more in the Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information document.
Contact [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449 for questions.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
The final financial hurdle on the path to certification is often testing and application fees. The Certification Testing Reimbursement Program offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400.00 to cover the costs of the NYS teacher certificate application and required NYS certification exams.
Certification Testing Reimbursement Details:
- One-Time Reimbursement: Up to $400.00 reimbursement.
- Covers Application and Exam Fees: For the NYS Teacher Application and NYS certification examinations.
- Certification Timeline: NYS certification must be attained on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Reimbursement Request Deadline: Reimbursement must be requested within one year of certification.
Certification Testing Reimbursement Eligibility:
- NYS Teacher Certification: Must have attained NYS teacher certification on or after 09/01 of the application year.
- Receipts Required: Must provide receipts for NYS Examinations and the NYS Teacher Application.
Required Documentation:
- Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Application
- NYS Teacher Application and NYS Examination receipts
- Proof of passing examinations required for certification
Certification Testing Reimbursement Application Window:
- Annual Application: March 1st – April 30th
Find Out More and Apply:
Review the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview and Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application.
Email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449 for assistance.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA)
While not directly a “career training program,” the Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions offer experienced paraprofessionals an opportunity for professional growth and increased classroom responsibility. These annual positions provide additional compensation (up to $5,000) and allow paraprofessionals to enhance their skills and gain valuable experience that can further support their pathway to becoming a teacher.
LTA/BLTA Position Highlights:
- Enhanced Classroom Role: LTAs/BLTAs support classroom instruction under teacher supervision.
- Professional Development: Opportunity to enhance skills and gain teaching-related experience.
- Additional Compensation: Eligible full-time paraprofessionals receive up to $5,000 in additional annual compensation.
- Annual Position: Positions are annual, and paraprofessionals revert to their previous title and salary at the end of the school year.
LTA/BLTA Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree: 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).
- Experience: One year of full-time experience as an NYCPS paraprofessional.
- Satisfactory Record: Satisfactory attendance and punctuality record.
- Bilingual LTA (BLTA) Requirement: Demonstrated fluency in the required language (reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking).
LTA/BLTA Application Window:
- Annual Application: January 1st – March 31st
Explore LTA/BLTA Roles and Apply:
Review the LTA/BLTA Position Posting for complete details.
Contact [email protected] or 718-935-2449 for more information.
Your Teaching Career Starts Here
The NYCPS Career Training Programs represent a significant investment in the future of education in New York City. By empowering dedicated paraprofessionals to advance their education and pursue teaching careers, these programs strengthen the school system from within. If you are a paraprofessional with a passion for teaching, explore these programs, take advantage of the resources available, and take the next step towards your rewarding career as a NYC public school teacher.
