Traditional Teacher Preparation

The most common route to earning NY State certification is to attend a traditional teacher preparation program at a college or university in New York State. 

• These programs can take two or four years and lead to a bachelor's or master's degree.  
• During your studies, you'll explore pedagogical principles, focus on your certification subject, and get hands-on teaching experience as a student teacher.  
• After completing the program, you must apply to the New York State Education Department for your certification. Work with your certification officer to ensure you are set up for success. 
• Once you are on track to receive your NYS teaching certification by the start of the school year, submit your New York City Public Schools Teacher Application to get a teaching position. 

The Empire State Teaching Residency Program offers opportunities to earn clinical experience in a NYC Public Schools classroom and an annual stipend while pursuing your teaching degree. Learn more here. 

If you're looking to follow this pathway, we encourage you to sign up with our partner, TeachNY, and get amazing, free tools and resources including: 

• Articles and videos about teaching 
• Step-by-step guides to certification 
• Advice from experienced local educators 
• Prep for teaching tests 
• Financial help for your teacher training program 
• Connections to local teaching programs 
• Help applying to teaching programs and jobs  
• And more!  

Create your free account today.