Are you a dedicated paraprofessional within the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) looking to elevate your career in education? The NYCPS is committed to fostering professional growth, offering a suite of comprehensive career training programs designed to help you achieve your academic and career aspirations. These initiatives provide pathways for paraprofessionals to earn degrees, gain certifications, and advance into lead roles, all while contributing to the vibrant NYC school community. This article will explore the various career training programs available, focusing on how these opportunities can empower you to reach your full potential in the field of education.
Career Training Program (CTP)
The Career Training Program (CTP) is a cornerstone of NYCPS’s investment in its paraprofessionals. This program is specifically designed to enable eligible paraprofessionals to pursue their first bachelor’s degree. Understanding the financial hurdles of higher education, CTP provides tuition assistance for 3 to 6 credits per semester at participating colleges and universities.
For those balancing work and study, the program offers further support. Participants enrolled in five or more credit hours are granted two and a half (2.5) hours of Release Time per week, facilitating dedicated study periods. Additionally, a Summer Stipend is available to provide financial support for summer coursework, accelerating degree completion.
Participating in the CTP requires proactivity. Paraprofessionals are responsible for identifying, applying to, and enrolling in a participating accredited institution. This empowers individuals to choose a program that aligns with their career goals and interests.
CTP Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the CTP, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements:
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Full-Time Paraprofessional | Must be currently employed as a full-time paraprofessional in a NYC public school and not yet possess a bachelor’s degree. |
| Payroll Status | Must be officially payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at the time of application and maintain this status throughout the application school year. |
| Matriculation | Required to show proof of formal acceptance into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits. |
| Exclusions | Substitute Paraprofessionals are not eligible for CTP participation. |
| Credit Limit | The program covers up to 120 credits towards the first bachelor’s degree, including transfer credits and credits earned before program entry. Exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. |
| GPA Requirement | Must maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 to be eligible and continue participating in the program. Falling below a 2.0 GPA results in ineligibility. |
| Course Grade Policy | NYCPS does not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. Paraprofessionals are financially responsible for these courses if they become ineligible. |
CTP Financial Aid Details
Financial aid plays a crucial role in making education accessible. For CTP participants, financial aid avenues like the Federal Pell Grant or the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) are primary resources for tuition coverage. The program is designed to work in conjunction with these grants. The college or university will directly bill NYCPS for any remaining tuition balance after these grants are applied.
It is important to note that NYCPS tuition assistance through CTP is specifically for tuition costs. Additional expenses such as course materials, activity fees, application fees, or technology fees are the responsibility of the paraprofessional.
CTP Application Timeline
Staying aware of application deadlines is key to accessing these career training opportunities. Applications are available for each semester with specific windows:
| Semester | Application Availability |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | May 1st – June 30th |
| Spring Semester | September 1st – October 31st |
| Summer Semester | February 1st – March 31st |
Crucially, a separate application is required for each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Vouchers are semester-specific and cannot be carried over or applied to different semesters.
For further details, resources are readily available:
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| CTP Fact Sheet | Click Here |
| CTP FAQ Document | Click Here |
| CTP UFT Paraprofessional Release Time Memo | Click Here |
| CTP DC-37 Paraprofessional Release Time Memo | Click Here |
| CTP Brochure | Click Here |
| Approved Colleges and Universities | Click Here |
| Summer Stipend Fact Sheet | Click Here |
| Summer Stipend Application | Click Here |
| CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form | Click Here |
| CTP Sample Confirmation Email | Click Here |
Important Application Notes:
- NYCPS Email Address: Applications must be submitted using your official NYCPS email address to ensure you receive confirmation and your voucher. Personal email addresses are no longer accepted.
- Voucher Changes: To change the college or university on your voucher, you must submit the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form. Processing takes approximately 48 hours.
- Confirmation Email: Expect a confirmation email within 24-48 hours after submitting your CTP application. Lack of confirmation indicates unsuccessful submission and requires re-application.
Ready to take the next step? APPLY HERE
For detailed application guidance, refer to the CTP Application Guide.
For any further inquiries, contact [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program
For paraprofessionals nearing teacher certification, the NYCPS offers the Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program. Recognizing that some institutions require dedicated student teaching experiences separate from paraprofessional work, this program provides up to 40 days of paid leave to fulfill student teaching requirements.
This competitive program has a limit of 100 leaves per year (50 in the fall and 50 in the spring) and requires advance application and approval before the leave can commence.
PSTLOA Eligibility
Eligibility for the PSTLOA program includes:
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Employment Status | Must be a full-time, active employee with at least one full school year as a paraprofessional (substitute paraprofessional service does not count). Must maintain full-time payrolled status throughout the application year. |
| GPA | Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their program of study. |
| Program Enrollment | Must be enrolled in a NYSED-approved program leading to New York State teaching certification. Online or out-of-state colleges must have NYSED approval for their programs to be eligible. |
| Category Eligibility | Applicants must fit into one of these categories: – Category A: Degree in education but lacking student teaching for certification recommendation. – Category B: Enrolled in a Master’s program for initial certification and needing student teaching. – Category C: Enrolled in an undergraduate program for initial certification and needing student teaching. |
PSTLOA Restrictions
Important restrictions apply to the PSTLOA program:
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Document Submission Deadline | All required documents must be submitted at least four (4) weeks prior to the requested leave start date. |
| Application Availability | Offered annually with limited slots in the fall and spring semesters only. |
| Leave Granting Priority | Leaves are granted based on need, prioritizing those who have already completed initial teacher education programs. |
| Leave Duration Limit | Maximum of 40 days for student teaching, and applicants can only apply once for this program. |
| Extended Leave | For leaves exceeding the approved period, applicants must apply for an unpaid extended Leave of Absence via the SOE SOLAS system. |
| Certification Focus | Leave is exclusively for student teaching leading to initial teaching certification; non-teaching positions (counselor, psychologist, etc.) are ineligible. |
Ensure you click the SUBMIT button on your application. Confirmation emails are sent upon successful submission. If no email is received, re-submit your application.
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, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
The Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program further supports career advancement by offering financial reimbursement for graduate studies. Eligible paraprofessionals pursuing a graduate education program to obtain teacher certification can receive reimbursement for up to twelve (12) graduate credits. New York State certification must be obtained after September 1st of the application year to qualify, and adherence to program application procedures is essential.
Graduate Reimbursement Eligibility
To be eligible for the Graduate Reimbursement Program, paraprofessionals must:
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Matriculation | Be admitted and fully matriculated into a NYS-approved and accredited graduate education program leading to teacher certification. |
| Credit Completion | Have completed at least twelve (12) credits towards the graduate program. |
| Paraprofessional Experience | Possess at least one full year of paid experience as a paraprofessional within NYCPS. |
| Employment Status | Be payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at application time and maintain this status for the school year. |
| Coursework Focus | Reimbursable coursework must be part of a master’s degree in education, leading to a teaching degree and NYS certification in a classroom teaching discipline. Pre-requisite or content courses are ineligible. |
| Grade Requirement | Coursework must have a passing grade of “B” or better for reimbursement eligibility. |
Graduate Reimbursement Restrictions
Key restrictions for the Graduate Reimbursement Program include:
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Reimbursement Rate | Based on the current CUNY graduate tuition rate. |
| Program Focus | Programs outside of teacher education leading to NYS classroom teacher certification are ineligible (e.g., Guidance Counselor, Psychologist, etc.). |
| Coursework Timing | Reimbursement does not apply to pre-requisite courses or coursework taken before program admission. |
| Release Time | Release time for graduate credits is not applicable under this program. |
| Certification Scope | Reimbursement is limited to courses required for Initial certification. |
| Financial Aid Coordination | If other financial aid is received, it will be applied first to tuition, with NYCPS covering the remaining eligible tuition balance. |
| Reimbursement Pickup | Reimbursement checks must be collected in person at the Office of Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services (65 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201) with photo ID for verification. |
Click SUBMIT to ensure application submission. Confirmation emails are sent upon successful submission. Re-submit if no confirmation is received.
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 to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
For further information, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
To alleviate the financial burden of initial certification, NYCPS offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400.00 for state teacher certificate application and NYS certification examinations. This program supports eligible paraprofessionals in finalizing their journey to becoming certified teachers.
Certification Testing Reimbursement Eligibility
Eligibility for the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program requires that:
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Certification Attainment | Paraprofessionals must have achieved NYS teacher certification on or after September 1st of the application year. |
| Documentation | Applicants must provide receipts for NYS Examinations and the NYS Teacher Application. |
| Reimbursement Timeline | Reimbursement requests must be made within one year of certification. |
Required Documentation:
- Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Application
- NYS Teacher Application and NYS Examination receipts
- Proof of passing certification examinations
For further details, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA)
For experienced and qualified paraprofessionals seeking expanded classroom roles, the Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions offer an exciting opportunity. These annual positions allow full-time paraprofessionals to take on more diverse responsibilities supporting student needs under teacher supervision. LTAs and BLTAs contribute directly to classroom instruction, enhancing their skills and exploring a potential pathway to a teaching career.
Eligible full-time paraprofessionals in LTA/BLTA roles receive additional compensation, up to $5,000 annually, recognizing their expanded responsibilities. At the end of the school year, paraprofessionals revert to their original title and base salary.
LTA/BLTA Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for LTA/BLTA positions include:
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Attainment | Must hold a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application. |
| Teaching Assistant Certification | Must possess an active and issued Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III) from the New York State Education Department. |
| Documentation | Submission of transcripts (official or unofficial) showing degree conferral date and a copy of the Teaching Assistant Certificate is required. |
| NYCPS Experience | Must have completed one year of full-time service as an active paraprofessional at NYCDOE. |
| Attendance Record | Must have a satisfactory record of attendance and punctuality. |
| Bilingual Fluency (BLTA) | BLTA applicants must demonstrate fluency in the required language (reading, writing, comprehending, and speaking). |
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| LTA/BLTA Position Posting | Click Here |
Application Availability: Annually: January 1 – March 31
For inquiries, contact [email protected] or 718-935-2449.
Conclusion
NYCPS is dedicated to investing in its paraprofessionals, recognizing their vital role in the education ecosystem. These career training programs – from tuition assistance for bachelor’s degrees to graduate reimbursement, certification support, and advanced roles like LTA/BLTA – are designed to empower you to grow professionally and contribute even more significantly to the lives of NYC students. Explore these opportunities, take advantage of the resources provided, and embark on your journey to a fulfilling and impactful career in education within the NYC Public Schools.
