Are you a paraprofessional in the New York City Public School system looking to advance your career in education? NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) offers a range of comprehensive career training programs designed to support your professional growth and help you achieve your dream of becoming a certified teacher. These programs provide financial assistance, study support, and clear pathways for eligible paraprofessionals to earn degrees and teaching certifications. Let’s explore the key career training opportunities available to you in NYC.
Career Training Program (CTP): Tuition Assistance for Bachelor’s Degrees
The Career Training Program (CTP) is a fantastic opportunity for eligible full-time paraprofessionals who haven’t yet earned a bachelor’s degree. This program provides tuition assistance for undergraduate studies at participating colleges and universities, covering 3 to 6 credits per semester.
Key Benefits of CTP:
- Tuition Coverage: NYCPS pays tuition for up to 120 credits towards your first bachelor’s degree. This financial support significantly reduces the burden of higher education costs.
- Release Time for Study: If you are taking five or more credit hours, you are eligible for 2.5 hours of release time per week to focus on your studies. This allows for a better work-life-study balance.
- Summer Stipend Opportunity: Additional financial support may be available through a Summer Stipend to further assist with study-related expenses during the summer semester.
Eligibility Requirements for CTP:
- Full-time Paraprofessional Status: You must be a full-time paraprofessional in a NYC public school and be payrolled as full-time at the time of application and throughout the application school year.
- No Bachelor’s Degree: This program is for paraprofessionals who are yet to earn their first bachelor’s degree.
- Matriculation Requirement: You must show proof of matriculation into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits.
- GPA Requirement: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 (“C” average) to remain eligible for the program.
- Credit Limit: The program covers up to 120 credits, including any transfer credits or credits earned before joining the program.
Financial Aid and Expenses:
CTP works in conjunction with federal and state financial aid programs like the Federal Pell Grant and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). These grants will be applied first, and NYCPS will cover the remaining tuition balance. However, it’s important to note that NYCPS does not cover additional college fees such as activity, application, or technology fees, nor course materials. These costs are the responsibility of the paraprofessional. Furthermore, NYCPS will not pay for courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st
Important Application Notes:
- You must apply for CTP each semester you wish to participate.
- Use your NYCPS email address when applying to ensure you receive confirmation and voucher emails.
Ready to Apply?
For detailed application instructions, refer to the CTP Application Guide. For any questions, contact [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program: Paid Leave for Student Teaching
For paraprofessionals further along in their teacher education journey, the Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program offers a valuable opportunity. This program provides 40 days of paid leave to complete mandatory student teaching requirements for teacher certification.
Key Features of PSTLOA:
- Paid Leave: Receive your regular pay for up to 40 days while fulfilling your student teaching obligations.
- Limited Availability: Note that only a limited number of leaves are granted each year (50 for fall and 50 for spring), making it a competitive program.
- Priority Consideration: Priority is given to paraprofessionals closer to certification, particularly those who have already completed their teacher education coursework.
Eligibility for PSTLOA:
- Full-time Paraprofessional with Experience: You must be a full-time, active employee with at least one full school year of experience as a paraprofessional (substitute experience does not count).
- Enrollment in NYSED Approved Program: You must be enrolled in a New York State Education Department (NYSED) approved teacher certification program. Online or out-of-state programs must be NYSED approved to qualify.
- GPA Requirement: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in your program of study.
- Category Eligibility: You must fit into one of these categories:
- Category A: Degree in education but lacking student teaching for certification.
- Category B: Enrolled in a Master’s program for initial certification and needing student teaching.
- Category C: Enrolled in a Bachelor’s program for initial certification and needing student teaching.
Important Restrictions:
- Application Deadlines: Fall application: July 1st – October 1st; Spring application: December 1st – March 1st (check for current availability as caps may be reached).
- Document Submission: All required documents must be submitted at least four weeks before your requested leave date.
- One-Time Application: You can only apply for PSTLOA once.
- Certification Focus: Leave is only granted for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification, not for non-teaching roles.
How to Apply:
Ensure you click the SUBMIT button on your application. Confirmation emails will be sent upon successful submission. 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 further inquiries, contact [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program: Financial Support for Graduate Studies
The Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program is designed to ease the financial burden of graduate education for eligible paraprofessionals pursuing teacher certification. NYCPS will reimburse up to 12 graduate credits towards a master’s degree in education leading to teacher certification.
Program Highlights:
- Graduate Credit Reimbursement: Receive reimbursement for up to 12 credits at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- Pathway to Certification: This program supports paraprofessionals actively enrolled in graduate programs leading to NYS teacher certification.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Matriculation in NYS Approved Graduate Program: You must be admitted and fully matriculated into a NYS-approved and accredited graduate education program leading to teacher certification.
- Completed Graduate Credits: You must have already completed 12 credits towards your graduate program.
- Experience as a Paraprofessional: You need at least one full year of paid experience as a paraprofessional within NYCPS.
- Coursework Relevance: Reimbursable coursework must be part of a master’s degree program in a classroom teaching discipline and lead to NYS initial certification. Courses must have a passing grade of “B” or better.
Important Restrictions:
- Limited Disciplines: Programs in non-teaching disciplines like Guidance Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work are not eligible.
- No Reimbursement for Pre-requisites: Reimbursement does not apply to pre-requisite courses or coursework taken before program admission.
- Reimbursement Rate: Reimbursement is capped at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
Application Period:
Annually: February 1st – March 31st
How to Apply:
Click SUBMIT to finalize your application. For queries, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449. Reimbursement checks are picked up in person at the Office of Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services in Brooklyn.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program: Reimbursement for Certification Exams
To further support your journey to becoming a certified teacher, NYCPS offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400.00 for state teacher certificate application fees and NYS certification examinations.
Key Benefits:
- Testing Fee Coverage: Offset the costs associated with required teacher certification exams and application fees.
- One-Time Reimbursement: This is a one-time benefit to help paraprofessionals achieve their certification goals.
Eligibility Requirements:
- NYS Teacher Certification: You must have attained NYS teacher certification on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Receipts Required: You must provide receipts for NYS Examinations and the NYS Teacher Application.
- Timely Request: Reimbursement must be requested within one year of certification.
Application Availability:
Annually: March 1st – April 30th
For more information, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA): Enhance Your Classroom Role
The Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions are annual roles designed to provide experienced paraprofessionals with increased classroom responsibilities and compensation. These positions serve as excellent stepping stones towards a teaching career.
LTA/BLTA Role Highlights:
- Enhanced Classroom Role: LTAs support classroom instruction under teacher supervision, allowing for more diverse contributions.
- Increased Compensation: Eligible full-time paraprofessionals in LTA/BLTA roles receive additional compensation up to $5,000 annually.
- Career Advancement: This position allows you to develop your skills and gain valuable experience for a future teaching career.
Eligibility for LTA/BLTA:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold a bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
- Teacher Assistant Certification: You need an active New York State Education Department Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III).
- Experience as a Paraprofessional: One year of full-time experience as a paraprofessional at NYCDOE is required.
- Satisfactory Record: A satisfactory attendance and punctuality record is necessary.
- For BLTA: Bilingual LTAs must demonstrate fluency in another language.
Application Period:
Annually: January 1st – March 31st
Apply Now:
For further details, contact [email protected] or 718-935-2449. Read the LTA/BLTA Position Posting for comprehensive information.
Conclusion: Invest in Your Future with NYCPS Career Training Programs
NYC Public Schools is committed to supporting the professional growth of its paraprofessionals. These career training programs offer significant financial aid, paid leave opportunities, and pathways to advance your career in education within NYC. Take advantage of these resources to achieve your goal of becoming a certified teacher and making an even greater impact on the students of New York City. Explore the links provided and contact the program administrators to begin your journey today!
