Navigating Teacher Licensure Requirements in New York State

Becoming a certified teacher in New York State involves a multifaceted process governed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements, pathways, and ongoing professional development necessary for educators in the state.

Initial Steps Towards Certification

The journey to becoming a certified teacher in New York begins with several key steps:

Earning a Bachelor's Degree: The most common path involves obtaining a bachelor's degree in education. However, college graduates with degrees in other fields can also pursue teacher certification by enrolling in an accredited teacher preparation program.
Completing a Teacher Preparation Program: These programs, offered by colleges and universities, provide the necessary pedagogical training, fieldwork, and student teaching experience required by the state. Fordham University, for example, offers state-approved Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) programs both online and on-campus.
Mandatory Workshops: Completing New York State child safety workshops is a crucial requirement. Many M.S.T. programs integrate these workshops into their curriculum.
Fingerprinting and Background Check: All teacher candidates must undergo a federal and state criminal background check, including fingerprinting. Due to processing times, it's advisable to complete this step early in the certification process, potentially before starting fieldwork.

Examination Requirements

Individuals seeking certification on or after May 1, 2014, must pass the following New York State certification exams:

Educating All Students (EAS): This exam assesses a candidate's knowledge of pedagogy, research-validated instructional strategies, legal and ethical responsibilities, and the importance of parental involvement.
Revised Content Specialty Tests (CST): These exams focus on the New York State Learning Standards related to the candidate's specific teaching area, as well as the P-12 Common Core Learning Standards in English language arts and literacy and mathematics.

Types of Teaching Certificates

New York State offers several types of teaching certificates, each with specific requirements and validity periods:

Initial Certificate: This is the entry-level certificate for classroom teachers in New York.
Professional Certificate: This advanced-level certificate requires a master's degree, a year of mentored teaching, and at least three years of teaching experience. It remains continuously valid as long as the holder completes 175 hours of professional development every five years.
Permanent Certificate: This is the advanced certificate for license holders who were certified in (1) classroom teaching prior to Feb. 2, 2004; (2) administrative and supervisory certificate titles prior to Sept. 2, 2007; and (3) pupil personnel certificate titles, with the exception of school counselor certificates issued after Feb. 1, 2023. Active certificate holders are required to complete a registration process in five-year cycles.
Conditional Initial: This certificate is issued to out-of-state teachers who have not yet completed the New York State testing requirements.

Temporary Certificates for Special Situations

The NYSED may issue temporary certificates under specific circumstances to address educational needs:

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Transitional A Certificate: Districts facing shortages in technical or vocational fields may offer this certificate to candidates with relevant work experience who don't meet all initial certificate requirements. Holders have three years to complete the requirements for a career and technical education initial certificate.
Transitional B Certificate: This certificate is for individuals enrolled in alternative teacher certification programs, such as Teaching Fellows. The college overseeing the master's degree program recommends candidates for this certificate. It’s crucial that the certificate title aligns with the master’s program and the teaching position. Holders have three years to complete their master’s degree and meet all requirements for the initial or professional certificate.
Internship Certificate: Students in approved graduate teacher education programs who have completed half of their program's credit hours may qualify. The graduate school must request this certificate, which allows the student to teach full time in a matching position for two years. This certificate cannot be renewed or extended.

Applying for Certification

No certificate is issued automatically. After completing all requirements, candidates must apply to the SED online through their TEACH account, submitting all required documents and the application fee. It's advisable to make copies of all documents before submission.

Requirements for Specific Areas of Study

Teacher preparation programs must include specific areas of study to ensure candidates are well-prepared:

Students with Disabilities: At least three semester hours of study must be dedicated to understanding the needs of students with disabilities. This includes instruction in areas such as categories of disabilities, identification and remediation, special education laws and regulations, co-teaching strategies, individualized instruction, and positive behavioral supports.
Language Acquisition and Literacy: Programs must cover language acquisition and literacy development for both native English speakers and English language learners. Candidates must develop skills in fostering listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in all students.
Prevention and Intervention: Training must be provided in the prevention of and intervention in school violence, harassment, bullying (including cyberbullying), and discrimination, in accordance with New York State Education Law.

Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE)

Even after achieving a professional certificate, the SED requires educators to complete 100 CTLE hours (20 hours per year) within five years of the issue date to maintain certificate validity. This five-year cycle repeats for as long as the certificate holder wishes to maintain their certificate. The UFT and UFT Teacher Center are CTLE providers.

Certification for Out-of-State Teachers

Certified teachers from other states are welcome in New York, provided they pass the LAST, ATS-W, and CST exams. Alternatively, they can obtain a conditional certificate, allowing them two years to complete the required tests. To apply, teachers must send a copy of their out-of-state certificate with their supporting documentation to the NYSED Office of Teaching Initiatives.

Addressing Teacher Shortages

The NYSED created the Teachers for Tomorrow Program to address teacher shortages, particularly in city school districts like New York City, Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Yonkers. This program aims to hire thousands of teachers to replace retiring educators and offers incentives to increase teacher recruitment and retention.

Additional Considerations

Student Loan Deferment or Cancellation: Teachers working in designated fields or areas may be eligible for student loan deferment or cancellation.
National Board Certification: Candidates holding National Board Certification may be eligible for an equivalent New York State teaching certificate.

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