Career Training Programs NYC DOE: Your Path to Professional Growth

Are you a dedicated paraprofessional within the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) looking to advance your career in education? The NYC DOE is committed to supporting its paraprofessionals by offering a range of career training programs designed to help you achieve your professional goals. These programs provide opportunities to earn your bachelor’s degree, gain teacher certification, and take on leadership roles, all while continuing to contribute to the NYC public school system. This guide will walk you through the various career advancement pathways available to NYC DOE paraprofessionals, focusing on key programs and opportunities to help you take the next step in your educational career.

Unlock Your Potential with the Career Training Program (CTP)

The Career Training Program (CTP) is a flagship initiative by the NYC DOE, specifically designed to empower eligible UFT paraprofessionals to earn their first bachelor’s degree. Recognizing the financial hurdles of higher education, the CTP provides tuition assistance for up to 6 credits per semester at participating colleges and universities. This significant benefit makes pursuing a bachelor’s degree accessible and achievable for dedicated paraprofessionals.

Furthermore, the program supports work-life balance by offering release time. Participants enrolled in five or more credit hours are eligible for 2.5 hours of release time per week, allowing dedicated study hours during their work week. For those looking to accelerate their studies, a Summer Stipend is also available to support study during the summer semester.

To participate, paraprofessionals are responsible for choosing, applying to, and enrolling in an approved participating college or university. This empowers individuals to find the best educational fit for their aspirations.

CTP Eligibility Requirements: Are You Ready to Apply?

To ensure the program reaches those it is intended to serve, specific eligibility criteria are in place:

Full-Time Commitment: Applicants must be full-time paraprofessionals in a NYC public school, without a prior bachelor’s degree.
Payroll Status: Being payrolled as full-time at application and maintaining this status throughout the application school year is mandatory.
Matriculation Proof: After accumulating 45 credits, proof of matriculation into a degree-bearing program is required to continue in the program.
Exclusions: Substitute Paraprofessionals are not eligible for the CTP.
Credit Limit: The program covers up to 120 credits towards your first bachelor’s degree. Prior credits and transfer credits are included in this limit. Exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Academic Standing: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for eligibility and must be maintained throughout the program. Dropping below a 2.0 GPA will result in ineligibility for the CTP Voucher.
Course Grades: The NYC Public Schools will not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals.
Financial Responsibility: Participants who become ineligible are responsible for all subsequent tuition and fees.

Financial Support Details for CTP Participants

CTP participants can leverage financial aid options to further minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Federal Pell Grants and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants can be used to cover tuition costs. The NYC Public Schools will then be billed for the remaining tuition balance after these grants are applied. It’s important to note that the NYCPS does not cover additional college fees such as activity, application, or technology fees, which remain the paraprofessional’s responsibility.

Key Application Deadlines: Don’t Miss Out!

Applications for the CTP program are semester-based, with specific windows for each term:

Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st

Remember, a new application is required for each semester you wish to participate. Vouchers are semester-specific and cannot be rolled over.

Your journey to a bachelor’s degree starts here with the Career Training Program.
Alt text: NYC DOE Career Training Program helping paraprofessionals achieve their bachelor’s degree.

Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program: Gain Practical Experience

For paraprofessionals further along their educational path and ready to gain practical teaching experience, the NYCPS offers the Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program. This program provides up to 40 days of paid leave to complete mandatory student teaching requirements, recognizing that some institutions do not accept paraprofessional work in lieu of formal student teaching.

With a limited number of leaves available annually (50 in the fall and 50 in the spring), this competitive program requires advance planning and application. Approval is mandatory before commencing any leave.

PSTLOA Eligibility: Is This Program Right for You?

Eligibility for the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program includes:

Tenure: Applicants must be full-time, active employees with at least one full school year as a paraprofessional (substitute time excluded).
Payroll Status: Maintained full-time payroll status at application and throughout the application school year.
Academic Excellence: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the program of study is required.
Program Enrollment: Enrollment in a NYSED-approved program leading to New York State teaching certification is essential. Online and out-of-state colleges must have NYSED approval to qualify.

Furthermore, applicants must fit into one of the following categories:

Category A: Paraprofessionals with an education degree needing student teaching for certification.
Category B: Paraprofessionals in a Master’s program for initial certification requiring student teaching.
Category C: Paraprofessionals in an undergraduate program for initial certification needing student teaching.

PSTLOA Program Restrictions: Important Considerations

Document Deadlines: All application documents must be submitted at least four weeks before the requested leave date.
Limited Availability: Applications are accepted annually during fall and spring with limited slots.
Leave Limit: Each paraprofessional can apply for this leave only once.
Leave Purpose: Leave is exclusively for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification, not for non-teaching roles.

Take the practical step towards teaching with the Student Teaching Leave of Absence program.
Alt text: Paraprofessional engaging with students during student teaching, supported by NYC DOE.

Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program: Invest in Your Advanced Education

For paraprofessionals pursuing graduate studies to become certified teachers, the NYCPS offers the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program. This program reimburses up to 12 graduate credits for eligible paraprofessionals enrolled in a graduate education program leading to teacher certification. Certification must be obtained after September 1st of the application year to qualify.

Graduate Reimbursement Eligibility: Are You Pursuing a Master’s?

To be eligible for graduate reimbursement, paraprofessionals must meet the following criteria:

Program Matriculation: Full admission and matriculation into a NYS-approved graduate education program for teacher certification.
Credit Completion: Completion of at least 12 graduate credits towards the degree.
Experience: Minimum of one full year of paid experience as an NYCPS paraprofessional.
Payroll Status: Maintain full-time paraprofessional payroll status at application and throughout the school year.
Coursework Focus: Reimbursable coursework must be part of a master’s degree in a classroom teaching discipline leading to NYS certification.
Grade Requirement: Coursework must have a passing grade of “B” or better for reimbursement eligibility.

Graduate Reimbursement Restrictions: Key Program Limits

Reimbursement Rate: Reimbursement is capped at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
Program Focus: Non-teacher education programs (e.g., guidance counseling, psychology) are not eligible.
Certification Focus: Only courses required for initial certification are reimbursable, not prerequisite or content courses.
Financial Aid Coordination: Financial aid is prioritized; NYCPS covers the remaining tuition balance after aid is applied.

Advance your education and become a certified teacher with graduate reimbursement support.
Alt text: Paraprofessional attending graduate class, symbolizing career advancement through NYC DOE programs.

Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program: Offset Certification Costs

The NYCPS also provides financial assistance for the final steps in becoming a certified teacher through the Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program. This program offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400 for the state teacher certificate application and NYS certification exams.

Testing Reimbursement Eligibility: Finalizing Your Certification?

Eligibility for the testing reimbursement includes:

Certification Timeline: NYS teacher certification attained on or after September 1st of the application year.
Receipts: Submission of receipts for NYS Examinations and the NYS Teacher Application.
Application Window: Reimbursement must be requested within one year of certification.

Get reimbursed for your certification exams and application fees.
Alt text: Teacher certificate and exam materials, representing the reimbursement program for paraprofessionals.

Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA): Step into Leadership

For experienced and qualified paraprofessionals seeking leadership opportunities, the Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions offer a pathway to expand classroom impact and enhance skills. These annual positions provide additional compensation (up to $5,000) for eligible full-time paraprofessionals with a Bachelor’s degree and a Teacher Assistant Certificate.

LTA/BLTA Eligibility: Ready for a Leadership Role?

To be considered for LTA/BLTA positions, paraprofessionals must meet these criteria:

Education: Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
Certification: Active NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III).
Experience: One year of full-time, active paraprofessional service at NYCDOE.
Performance: Satisfactory attendance and punctuality records.
For BLTA: Demonstrated fluency in a target language (reading, writing, speaking, comprehension).

Elevate your role and lead in the classroom as a Lead Teacher Assistant.
Alt text: Lead Teacher Assistant working collaboratively with a teacher in a classroom setting.

Take Charge of Your Career Path Today

The NYC DOE provides substantial career training programs for paraprofessionals committed to professional growth. From tuition assistance to leadership roles, these initiatives are designed to support your journey in education. Explore the programs outlined above, review the detailed requirements and application processes on the official NYC DOE program pages, and take the next step towards achieving your career aspirations within the NYC public school system. Your dedication and experience are invaluable – these programs are here to help you reach your full potential.

For further information on any of these programs, please reach out to the contacts provided in each section or visit the NYC DOE Career Training Program website.