Pathways for Paraprofessionals
As a paraprofessional, you are already making a difference for students every day. And when you are ready to bring your experience in our classrooms and commitment to our students to a full-time teaching role, New York City Public Schools is ready to support your journey.
NYC Public Schools offers a wide range of programs to help paraprofessionals earn the credentials they need to become full-time teachers. No matter where you are on your journey to the classroom, we can help— from professional development to tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate programs, to flexible alternative pathways to certification. Review our available program offerings, and visit the links on this page to learn more about specific program details, requirements, and timelines.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Programs
Program
Eligibility
Professional Development Programs
Ed Prep NYC (formerly EdPrep and BTI): Supports non-teachers currently working in NYC schools to advance their careers in education through professional development, hiring support, and networking. Learn more.
Non-teachers currently working in a NYC Public Schools school
Support for Earning Your Bachelor's Degree
Career Training Program: Provides tuition assistance—up to 6 credits per semester—for undergraduate study at participating colleges and universities, plus 2.5 hours per week of release time and/or a summer stipend to support study. Learn more.
Exclusively for NYC Public Schools paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. Proof of matriculation and minimum “C” grade point average required to remain in the program
Support for Earning Your Teaching Certificate
Note: While you can apply to any or all of the below programs, you can only enroll in one.
Graduate Reimbursement Program: Tuition reimbursement for up to 12 graduate credits leading to teacher certification. Learn more.
Exclusively for NYC Public Schools paraprofessionals
At least one full year of paid experience within NYC Public Schools; completion of at least 12 graduate credits prior to beginning the program
Ed Prep NYC : 8-month professional learning series dedicated to understanding the Danielson Framework of teaching. Candidates are mentored by both building leaders and teacher leaders Learn more.
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.5 undergraduate grade point average
Jose P Scholarship Program: Tuition payments toward a master’s degree in specified shortage areas and bilingual education. Learn more.
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate grade point average
NYC Teaching Fellows: A 7-week summer training (with a stipend), with a transitional license to begin teaching full-time in the fall, and a subsidized master’s degree. Learn more.
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.5 undergraduate grade point average
NYC Teaching Collaborative: A 5-month spring residency (with a stipend) in a NYC Public Schools school, with a transitional license to begin teaching full-time in the fall and a subsidized master’s degree. Learn more.
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.5 undergraduate grade point average
Resources for Paraprofessionals
- Professional Development
- Earning Your Bachelor's Degree
- Earning Your Teaching Certificate
- Choosing Alternative Certification
- Understanding New York State Certification
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