The Career Training Program (CTP) is a unique opportunity designed for eligible United Federation of Teachers (UFT) paraprofessionals in New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). This program paves the way for dedicated paraprofessionals to achieve their first bachelor’s degree by providing tuition assistance. If you’re a paraprofessional aspiring to become a teacher, the CTP offers significant support to make your career goals a reality.
What is the Career Training Program (CTP) for UFT Paraprofessionals?
The CTP is specifically tailored to support UFT paraprofessionals in their pursuit of higher education. It offers financial assistance covering tuition costs for undergraduate studies at participating colleges and universities. The program covers tuition for 3 to 6 credits per semester, allowing you to balance your professional commitments with academic advancement.
Beyond financial aid, the CTP recognizes the demands of juggling work and study. Participants enrolled in five (5) or more credit hours are granted Release Time, providing two and a half (2.5) hours per week to dedicate to their studies. This valuable release time, officially documented in a Release Time Memo, helps ensure you have dedicated time to focus on coursework and assignments during your work week.
Furthermore, to support study during the summer months, eligible paraprofessionals can apply for a Summer Stipend. This stipend provides additional financial support to continue your academic progress even during school breaks.
Participating in the CTP requires initiative and proactivity. Paraprofessionals are responsible for independently researching, applying to, and enrolling in a college or university that is approved and participates in the program. This empowers you to choose an institution and program that best aligns with your academic interests and career aspirations.
Eligibility Requirements for the CTP
To be considered for this valuable career advancement opportunity, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Full-Time Paraprofessional Status: Applicants must be employed as a full-time paraprofessional within a NYC public school.
- Payroll Status: You must be officially payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at the time of your application and maintain this status throughout the application school year.
- Bachelor’s Degree Status: The program is designed for paraprofessionals who have not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree. It’s your pathway to obtaining your first undergraduate degree.
- Matriculation Requirement: You must provide proof of mandatory matriculation into a degree-bearing program after successfully completing 45 credits. This ensures you are on a clear path towards degree completion.
- Exclusion of Substitute Paraprofessionals: Substitute Paraprofessionals are not eligible for participation in the CTP. The program is dedicated to full-time committed paraprofessionals.
- Credit Limit: The Career Training Program provides financial support for up to a maximum of 120 credits towards your first Bachelor’s degree. It’s important to note that this is a lifetime limit for the program. While exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, it’s crucial to plan your degree program accordingly.
- Total Credit Count: The 120-credit limit encompasses all credits, including any transfer credits you may have and credits earned before joining the CTP. For example, if you enter the program with 30 transfer credits, the CTP will cover up to 90 additional credits.
- Minimum GPA: Applicants must have a minimum 2.0-grade point average to be eligible to apply.
- Maintaining Academic Standing: Once enrolled in the CTP, paraprofessionals must maintain a “C” grade point average (2.0) to remain eligible for continued program participation and funding.
- Academic Probation: Falling below a 2.0 GPA will result in ineligibility for the CTP Voucher. It’s essential to prioritize your studies and maintain good academic standing.
- Course Grade Requirements: The NYC Public Schools will NOT provide funding for courses with “F” grades, late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. Careful course selection and commitment to academic success are necessary.
- Financial Responsibility: Paraprofessionals who become ineligible for the Career Training Program are financially responsible for all subsequent course credits, tuition, and any associated fees.
Understanding Financial Aid and CTP Funding
The CTP is designed to work in conjunction with other forms of financial aid. Financial aid options like the Federal Pell Grant or the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant are prioritized. If you are eligible for these grants, they will be applied first to cover tuition-related expenses.
The CTP then steps in to cover any remaining tuition balance. The participating college or university will directly bill the NYC Public Schools for the difference between the total tuition owed and the amount covered by your financial aid grants.
Important Note on Fees: While the CTP provides significant tuition assistance, it’s important to understand its limitations. The NYCPS will not cover additional fees charged by the college or university. This includes, but is not limited to, activity fees, application fees, technology fees, and other miscellaneous charges. These fees are the responsibility of the paraprofessional participating in the program. Budgeting for these additional costs is a crucial part of financial planning for your education.
Application Deadlines for Each Semester
To ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity, be aware of the application windows for each academic semester:
- Fall Semester: Applications are accepted from May 1st through June 30th.
- Spring Semester: The application period is September 1st through October 31st.
- Summer Semester: Applications are open from February 1st through March 31st.
Key Application Points:
- Semester-Specific Application: A separate application must be submitted for each semester (fall, spring, and summer) you wish to receive CTP benefits.
- Voucher Validity: CTP vouchers are semester-specific. Unused vouchers cannot be rolled over or applied to previous or future semesters. Plan your course enrollment and application submissions carefully within the designated timeframes.
For a comprehensive overview of the CTP, you can access the CTP Fact Sheet. For answers to frequently asked questions, refer to the CTP FAQ Document. You can also find important information in the CTP Brochure. To explore the list of participating institutions, see the Approved Colleges and Universities.
Important Updates and Application Process
Effective Immediately – Using Your NYCPS Email:
To guarantee you receive critical communications, including your email confirmation and voucher, applicants are now required to use their official NYCPS email address when applying. The Teacher Support Network (TSN) system will no longer accept email addresses from external domains. This ensures secure and reliable communication regarding your application status and voucher.
Updating Your College/University Choice:
If you need to change the college or university listed on your voucher, you must download and submit the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form, available here. Please allow up to 48 hours for your request to be processed and updated.
Application Confirmation:
After successfully applying for the Career Training Program, you should expect to receive a confirmation email within 24-48 hours. If you do not receive this confirmation email, it indicates that your application was not properly submitted, and you will need to re-submit it.
Ready to take the next step? APPLY HERE to begin your application for the Career Training Program.
For detailed, step-by-step guidance on the application process, consult the CTP Application Guide.
For any further questions or if you require additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact the program team directly via email at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 935-2449.
Explore Other Paraprofessional Career Advancement Programs
Beyond the Career Training Program, NYCPS offers several other initiatives to support paraprofessionals in their journey towards becoming certified teachers. These programs provide different forms of assistance and cater to various stages of professional development.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program
For paraprofessionals ready to complete their student teaching requirements, the NYCPS offers a Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program. This program provides 40 days of paid leave to fulfill student teaching obligations, recognizing that some institutions may not accept paraprofessional work experience in lieu of formal student teaching.
This is a competitive program with a limit of 100 leaves per year (50 for fall, 50 for spring). Prior approval is mandatory before commencing any leave. For complete details, eligibility criteria, and application requirements, please review the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview. Application deadlines are July 1st – October 1st for the Fall and December 1st – March 1st for the Spring.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
The Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program supports paraprofessionals pursuing graduate education to become teachers. This program reimburses up to 12 graduate credits for eligible paraprofessionals enrolled in a graduate program leading to teacher certification. New York State certification must be obtained after September 1st of the application year to qualify.
For comprehensive information on eligibility, application procedures, and reimbursable coursework, please refer to the Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information document. Applications are accepted annually from February 1st to March 31st.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
To ease the financial burden of certification, the NYCPS provides a one-time reimbursement of up to $400.00 through the Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program. This reimbursement covers the state teacher certificate application fee and NYS certification examination fees for eligible paraprofessionals committed to a teaching career within NYCPS.
For detailed program guidelines, required documentation, and the reimbursement application, please consult the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview and the Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application. The application window is annually from March 1st to April 30th.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA)
For paraprofessionals seeking to expand their classroom roles and responsibilities, the Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions offer an excellent opportunity. These annual positions provide eligible full-time paraprofessionals with additional compensation (up to $5,000) to support instruction under teacher supervision. It’s a valuable step for career growth and gaining deeper classroom experience.
To learn more about the LTA/BLTA positions, including eligibility requirements and application details, please review the LTA/BLTA Position Posting. Applications are accepted annually from January 1st to March 31st. APPLY HERE if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Conclusion: Your Path to Teaching Starts Here
The NYCPS and UFT are committed to supporting the professional growth of paraprofessionals. The Career Training Program, along with the Student Teaching Leave, Graduate Reimbursement, Certification Reimbursement, and LTA/BLTA programs, offer comprehensive pathways for dedicated individuals to advance their careers and become certified teachers within the New York City Public School system. Explore these opportunities, take advantage of the resources available, and embark on your journey to a fulfilling teaching career.
