Pursuing a Teaching Certificate in New York: Steps and Requirements

Obtaining a teaching certificate in New York involves a series of steps and meeting specific requirements. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Education Requirements:

   • Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Your degree should align with the subject area and grade level you intend to teach.

2. Teacher Preparation Program:

   • Enroll in a New York State-approved teacher preparation program (also known as a teacher education program) at the undergraduate or graduate level.
   • These programs include classroom coursework and a student teaching or practicum experience.

3. Fingerprinting and Background Check:

   • Undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting through the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

4. Certification Examinations:

   • Pass the required New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE), which may include the Educating All Students (EAS) test, Content Specialty Test (CST), and the edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment) for some candidates.

5. DASA Training:

   • Complete the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) training, which focuses on fostering a safe and supportive school environment for all students.

6. Child Abuse Identification and School Violence Prevention Workshops:

   • Attend workshops on identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect, as well as understanding and preventing school violence.

7. Certification Application:

   • Apply for your initial teaching certificate through the NYSED's TEACH Online Services website (https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/teach/). Create an account, complete the application, and submit the required documentation.
   • Pay the application fee.

8. Mentorship and Induction Programs (if applicable):

   • If you are a first-time teacher, you may participate in a mentorship or induction program as part of your professional development.

9. Professional Development Requirements:

   • Maintain your teaching certificate by fulfilling ongoing professional development requirements, which may include Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours.

10. Renewal and Advancement:

    • After your initial certificate, you can pursue additional certifications, such as a professional certificate, which typically requires several years of teaching experience and advanced coursework.

It's essential to check the NYSED website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on certification requirements, as they may change over time. Additionally, the specific requirements may vary depending on the grade level and subject area you plan to teach. Seeking guidance from your teacher preparation program and a NYSED certification officer can also be beneficial in navigating the certification process in New York.