Alternative Certification

Career changers and recent college graduates can earn certification while completing a master’s degree through alternative teacher preparation programs, which support the schools and subjects that need great teachers the most. 

New York City Teaching Fellows

The NYC Teaching Fellows (NYCTF) program is one of the nation’s largest and most selective alternative teacher preparation programs, celebrating its 25th year! As a Fellow, you will receive training in NYC classrooms and work one-on-one with experienced coaches to become a teacher who can make a profound difference for the students of New York City. Visit the NYCTF website to learn more and to be notified when the application opens. 

New York City Teaching Collaborative

The New York City Teaching Collaborative empowers passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds to become educators in high-need schools. Partner Teachers embark on a residency-style training in January, working alongside experienced mentor teachers and receiving intensive coaching for over four months before they begin teaching in the fall. Visit the NYC Teaching Collaborative website to discover more and create an account to be notified when the application opens. 

Other Alternative Teacher Preparation Programs

Outside of NYC Public Schools, there are many non-profit organizations offering alternative pathways to teacher certification, including: