Apply to Teach in New York City Public Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

  1. What do the online information sessions cover?

    Our online information sessions offer in-depth information on getting hired in the New York City Department of Education. In each session, applicants can ask specific questions and chat with the presenters. Historically, 90 percent of New Teacher Finder members have said that they would recommend the information sessions to a fellow applicant. 

  2. When can I expect to hear back on my application?

    Within two weeks of your submitting a complete application, we’ll get in touch with you to either a) ask for any additional information needed to review your application, b) let you know you’re eligible for job search support, c) invite you to interview for Select Recruits, or d) let you know we cannot assist you in your job search, either because you do not hold a valid teaching certificate or did not pass our initial applicant screening.

Alternate Routes to Certification

  1. I’ve been accepted into the New York City Teaching Fellows (NYCTF) program. Do I need to begin an online teacher application?

    No, don’t begin a new application. If you have been accepted into the NYCTF program, you will receive specific instructions from the NYCTF office on how to complete the online teacher application requirement.

  2. I’ve been accepted into the Teach For America (TFA) program. Do I need to begin an online teacher application?

    The cost of fingerprinting is $135, which can be deducted from your first paycheck. Before you begin working, your fingerprints must be cleared by the state and federal government, as well as our Office of Personnel Investigations.

    Below are full instructions for teachers and student teachers.

    Teachers: You will receive an email with instructions to log into the Applicant Gateway. You must complete and e-sign all required forms in the Applicant Gateway. Then, you must come to the HR Connect Walk-in Center at 65 Court Street, Room 102, in Brooklyn between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (though we encourage you to report no later than 4:30 p.m.). When you come, bring your original I-9 documentation that shows you are eligible to work in the U.S. Please refer to the I-9 Eligibility Form for a complete list of acceptable documentation.

    Student teachers: You will receive an email with instructions to log into the Applicant Gateway. You must complete and e-sign all required forms in the Applicant Gateway. Then, you must come to the HR Connect Walk-in Center at 65 Court Street, Room 102, in Brooklyn between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (though we encourage you to report no later than 4:30 p.m.).  Bring a government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license), your school ID and fingerprint payment of $135.

Job Search Resources

  1. How can I find a school that’s right for me?

    Use School Search to find schools by borough and grade level. School Search provides basic information about that school (i.e., name, grades and enrollment), as well as links to more detailed information, such as the School Quality Snapshot.

  2. I’m interested in working at a school, but not as a teacher. Do I apply here?

    If you are interested in applying for other school-based positions, please visit Other School Positions or browse the NYC DOE careers website.

  3. What is the New Teacher Finder?

    The New Teacher Finder is an online platform where hiring principals and promising applicants connect. Principals can browse candidate applications, post job openings and reach out to applicants. In addition to help with the job search, New Teacher Finder members have access to hiring resources and exclusive networking events.