How to Become a Teacher in New York | BestColleges (2024)

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) awards certification to teachers who meet the necessary education, training, and testing requirements for the state. To teach in New York, candidates must earn a bachelor's degree and/or complete a teacher preparation program and pass state certification exams.

All teachers, administrators, and pupil personnel service providers at K-12 public schools in New York require certification through NYSED. These professionals include classroom teachers, student coaches, and school counselors. Teachers can also pursue supplemental teaching certification in New York to work in one of the state's high-need shortage areas, such as math, science, and English language learning.

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New York is the highest-paying state for teachers in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Teachers in this state earned an annual mean wage of $88,890 in May 2020. New York is also the third-largest employer of secondary teachers nationwide. Here, aspiring teachers enjoy a variety of paths to certification and lucrative job opportunities. The following guide explores how to become a teacher in New York.

How Do I Become a Teacher in New York?

Students can choose from a variety of pathways to initial certification. Aspiring teachers most commonly pursue an approved teacher preparation program, which combines bachelor-level coursework and teacher training, leading to licensure. The NYSED also offers alternative teacher preparation programs for students who have already earned a teaching degree.

New York State issues multiple types of certification to advanced practitioners and specialists, including teachers with a master's degree or experience in multiple teaching subjects and special educators. Teachers with out-of-state certification must apply for an individual credential review through the NYSED.

Meet Minimum Education Requirements

Obtaining a teaching certification in New York requires a bachelor's degree. Students can choose any major that aligns with their desired teaching subject, grade level, or area of expertise. New York ultimately requires teachers to earn a master's degree within the first five years of obtaining initial licensure.

Middle school and high school teachers must obtain certification in a particular teaching subject for that grade level. Many schools offer bachelor's programs that lead to licensure in subjects like math education or English as a second language (ESL). Teachers aspiring to a career in special education should pursue a degree in this major.

New York State approves dozens of registered teacher preparation programs, combining the bachelor-level coursework and student-teaching experience teachers need for initial licensure. Alternatively, students who already hold a bachelor's degree may pursue a standalone teacher training program through NYSED.

Gain Student Teaching Experience

Obtaining teaching certification in New York requires 100 hours of teaching experience, including 15 hours of teaching students with disabilities. Teachers must complete a full-semester practicum in a classroom setting. They may satisfy this requirement over 14 weeks or split it into two seven-week terms.

Students must gain teaching experience in their desired teaching subject and grade level. Guaranteed to meet practicum requirements, the NYSED's approved teacher preparation programs embed the student-teaching experience necessary for teaching certification in New York.

Pass Required Certification Tests

Candidates seeking initial teaching certification in New York must pass several general and subject-specific tests. Testing requirements include:

  • edTPA: This test assesses elementary or secondary teaching skills, including curriculum development, classroom instruction, and student evaluation methods. Teachers must record their work in the classroom and actively self-reflect on their performance.
  • Educating All Students (EAS): This exam tests a teacher's ability to teach students with disabilities, non-native-English-speakers, and diverse student populations.
  • Content Specialty Tests: Teachers must choose a content specialty test according to their desired teaching subject(s). Separate tests are required for individual subjects. Students seeking generalist certification can take the multi-subject test for early childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary education.

Apply for Certification

Students can apply for teaching certification in New York through an online TEACH account. The application process requires students to verify correct contact information, answer moral character questions, and submit the supporting documents necessary to obtain certification. Candidates must also pass a fingerprint clearance.

Applying for New York teaching certification costs $50 for graduates of an NYSED-approved teacher preparation program and $100 for graduates of an alternative program. The NYSED projects a turnaround time of 16 weeks to issue new teaching certifications.

How Do I Maintain Teaching Certification in New York?

Initial teaching certification in New York is valid for five years. Teachers must earn a master's degree within five years of initial certification and accumulate three full years of classroom teaching experience and one year of mentored teaching to qualify for a professional certificate. If they do not meet these requirements within five years, they can apply for a one-time reissuance of their initial certification.

Teachers can maintain active and valid professional certification by completing 100 hours of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) requirements during each five-year renewal period. These continuing education courses must be given by approved CTLE sponsors. Maintaining "active" certification status requires ongoing teaching employment, while "valid" status indicates a teacher meets all requirements for teaching certification in New York.

Career Outlook for Teachers in New York

Teaching in New York is competitive and profitable. Job opportunities are plentiful for certified teachers in New York's public school system, ranking the state among the largest national employers of elementary and high school teachers, according to the BLS.

New York teachers are also among the highest-paid educators in the United States. Secondary teachers earned the top salary for teachers in the U.S. in May 2020, with an annual mean wage of $88,890, according to the BLS. Meanwhile, elementary teachers in New York were the third-highest-paid in the nation, earning $84,380.

The state recently launched programs to incentivize master-level training for experienced educators and encourage professionals in other fields to become teachers in New York. Teachers with advanced qualifications and those willing to work in New York's shortage areas may enjoy additional perks and earn a higher salary.

In-Demand Teaching Careers in New York

Special Education Teacher

Educators in this specialization work with students who have learning, emotional, behavioral, or intellectual disabilities of a mild, moderate, or severe nature. Special education teachers are in high demand nationwide for their unique training and certification in teaching various grade levels. New York offers approved teacher preparation programs for aspiring special education teachers.

Median Annual Salary: $61,500

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

ESL teachers, or educators trained to help non-native-English-speakers read, write, and speak the language, are in critical demand in nearly every urban school district across the United States. ESL teachers are also in demand for adult students and postsecondary/vocational programs. Teachers can pursue ESL certification through a separate credentialing exam.

Median Annual Salary: $60,660

High School Teacher

High school teachers lead classrooms of adolescent students in grades 9-12. They typically pursue certification in a particular teaching subject, such as math, science, social studies, or career and technical training, all of which also happen to be shortage areas in New York schools. High school teachers must obtain separate certifications for multiple subjects.

Median Annual Salary: $62,870

Middle School Teachers

Unlike high school teachers, middle school teachers (grades 5-8) may choose to earn generalist teaching certification in all subjects instead of choosing a specialization. In addition to the crossover between middle and high schools in shortage areas like math and science, New York critically needs middle school teachers in ESL, special education, and the arts.

Median Annual Salary: $60,810

Career and Technical Education Teacher

These teachers provide key job skills and career training for children and adult students. New York reported a shortage of career and technical teachers, especially in grades 7-12, in the 2019-20 school year. Teachers can obtain certification in a particular grade level and subspecialization within this category, such as technology, STEM, or business management.

Median Annual Salary: $59,140

Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Certification in New York

How do I get teaching certification in New York?

Teaching in New York requires completion of an NYSED-approved teacher preparation program or alternative pathway to certification and a passing score on state teaching exams. Students commonly choose majors in early childhood education, generalist education, special education, or a particular teaching subject and grade level.

Obtaining initial teaching certification in New York indicates a teacher completed a bachelor-level education program, satisfied the minimum student-teaching requirements, and passed a series of exams. Students must earn a master's degree within the five years of earning initial licensure to achieve a professional certificate.

Can I teach in New York without certification?

Yes, but in an extremely limited capacity, and only through private or charter schools. Obtaining teaching certification in New York qualifies candidates for lucrative careers with longevity in the public school system.

Some New York private and charter schools do not require such extensive certification. While there are positions for teachers without certification, certified teachers in New York enjoy the widest variety of high-paid occupations.

How long does it take to become a teacher in New York?

The time it takes to become a teacher in New York depends on a candidate's qualifications and experience. Teachers can technically obtain initial certification and begin working after completing a four-year bachelor's degree program that includes student-teaching experience.

In the first five-year certification renewal period after initial licensure, students must earn a master's degree and complete three years of full-time teaching and one year of mentored teaching to earn a professional certificate.

What can I do with teaching certification in New York?

Certified teachers in New York qualify for their choice of teaching jobs in K-12 public schools. Depending on a teacher's desired subject or specialization, they may pursue jobs in early childhood, elementary, middle, or high school classrooms, teaching multiple subjects or specializing in a subject like math, science, or information technology.

Alternatively, teachers may pursue specialized certification in a field such as ESL, special education, technology education, or a subcategory of career and technical education.

How do I become a substitute teacher in New York?

The NYSED does not issue certificates specifically for substitute teachers; however,certified teachers in New York and pending certification candidates can work in any district and subject for up to 40 days as a substitute teacher. After 40 days, these substitute teachers must be certified or seeking certification in the teaching area in which they are employed.

Some districts employ substitute teachers with just a high school diploma who are not certified or seeking certification for a maximum of 40 days. There may be exceptions to these time limits in high-need districts.

Feature Image: Maskot / Getty Images

How to Become a Teacher in New York | BestColleges (2024)

FAQs

Is it hard to get a teaching job in New York? ›

Although the application process for teaching jobs in NYC is generally competitive, there are many opportunities available, especially if you teach a high-demand subject, such as science, math, or languages, or are interested in teaching in a high-needs area of the city.

Can a UK teacher teach in New York? ›

International Applicants. New York State no longer offers International Reciprocity. If you completed your education outside of the United States (U.S.), you will need to include an evaluation of your credentials as part of your TEACH application for New York State teacher certification.

What are the steps to become a teacher in New York? ›

Apply for Your Initial Teaching Certificate in New York

Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. Pass required New York state teaching exams. Complete mandatory New York state child safety workshops.

How long does it take to become a teacher in NYC? ›

You have five years to earn your master's degree after qualifying for your initial certificate. Professional certification will also require you to have at least three years' teaching experience in your certification area and one year of mentored teaching.

Why is there a teacher shortage in NY? ›

New York's teacher shortage blamed on a variety of factors, including lack of respect, fewer benefits. School starts this week in New York and many districts have open teaching positions.

Are teachers in demand in NYC? ›

The state needs approximately 180,000 new teachers over the next decade to meet workforce needs.

Can I move to America as a teacher? ›

Any non-citizen who wants to teach in a U.S. school must first obtain a temporary or permanent visa from the U.S. embassy in their home country. Foreign educators interested in teaching in the United States should plan and research their decision in advance before arriving.

How much do NYC public school teachers make? ›

For 2021-22, starting salaries for teachers range from $61,070 (bachelor's degree, no prior teaching experience) to $83,972 (master's degree, eight years teaching experience, without additional coursework). New teachers with a master's degree but no prior teaching experience will earn $68,252.

What do I need to teach in America? ›

Here are the general steps (in most states) to get a teaching certification or license:
  1. Obtain a relevant bachelor's degree.
  2. Complete a district- or state-approved teacher preparation program.
  3. Pass required exams in the school district and/or state (like the Praxis).
  4. Submit a state teaching license application.
17 Jun 2022

Can you teach in NY without certification? ›

New York State requires that all teachers, school leaders (administrators), and pupil personnel service providers who are employed or wish to become employed in the State's public schools hold a New York State certificate.

What is required to become a teacher? ›

You may follow one of two routes in becoming a teacher, namely: a four-year Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Once completed, both routes lead to classification as a professionally qualified teacher.

Can you teach in New York without a Masters? ›

New York State requires teachers to obtain a master's degree in teaching (or a related discipline) within five years of the completion of their initial degree. Typically, teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork.

What states accept NY teacher certification? ›

New York Teacher Reciprocity Agreements
AlabamaIndianaNevada
ArkansasKentuckyNew Jersey
CaliforniaLouisianaNew Mexico
ColoradoMaineNorth Carolina
ConnecticutMarylandNorth Dakota
7 more rows

Can I teach in NYS with a Bachelor's degree? ›

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) awards certification to teachers who meet the necessary education, training, and testing requirements for the state. To teach in New York, candidates must earn a bachelor's degree and/or complete a teacher preparation program and pass state certification exams.

Where can I teach without certification? ›

For example, some private, charter and not-for-profit schools don't require applicants to have a teaching degree or hold state licensure. If you want to teach in the public school system (either as an elementary or high-school subject teacher), however, you will need a teaching license or teaching credential.

Why are teachers so poorly paid? ›

A number of factors contribute to how far a teacher's salary goes—family structure, caregiving responsibilities, health issues, and student loans among them. While many teachers in the U.S. must work second jobs to live comfortably, plenty do not. Some of them live in states that pay better than others.

Why are teachers quitting? ›

Researchers polled more than 4,600 TK-12th grade teachers across the state between May 24 and June 6. The findings show that while many teachers find their work rewarding, a majority said they felt exhausted and stressed — with burnout cited as the top reason for leaving the profession.

What state has the highest teacher shortage? ›

Mississippi saw the highest teacher-to-student vacancy rate in the 2021-22 school year. The state reported having nearly 69 missing teachers per 10,000 students.

What teachers are most needed? ›

No matter where you are, it's a great time to become a teacher.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL). ESL educators are some of the most in demand teachers. ...
  • Math Teaching. Another teacher subject in demand is mathematics. ...
  • Science Teaching. What about science teachers? ...
  • Social Studies Teaching. ...
  • Special Education Teaching.
18 Dec 2020

Is there a teacher shortage in NYC 2022? ›

New York Schools Need New Teachers Desperately, and This is Why. The 2022-23 school year is just around the corner, but as thousands of kids get ready for the first day of school, faculties across the state are still scrambling.

Is teaching high school hard? ›

Teachers across grade levels have a tough job, but high school teachers face double the challenges. Their students are still kids, but those kids often have adult-sized personal problems. Even the most intelligent, curious, and motivated students may also be rebellious, quick to anger, and unruly.

Why do Long Island teachers make so much? ›

Because Long Island is one of the nation's most expensive places to live, education advocates said the compensation is necessary to recruit and retain staff, especially as teachers and administrators work through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is it hard to get a teaching job on Long Island? ›

Given the above, teaching positions in LI public schools are highly coveted and competition for them is intense. Openings are rare because almost nobody quits before full retirement age. That is why it is so hard to get a position.

Is finding a teaching job hard? ›

Landing your first teaching job is not easy. It takes time, hard work and a lot of patience. Before you hit the ground running make sure you have the appropriate degree and credentials for the position you are applying for. Once that's all in order, follow these tips to help you get that dream job.

Where do teachers get paid the most in NY? ›

Highest paying cities for Teachers near New York State
  • New York, NY. $23.35 per hour. 185 salaries reported.
  • Manhattan, NY. $22.83 per hour. 35 salaries reported.
  • Queens, NY. $21.17 per hour. 21 salaries reported.
  • Brooklyn, NY. $21.11 per hour. 126 salaries reported.
  • Harlem, NY. $20.42 per hour. ...
  • Show more nearby cities.
17 Oct 2022

Do NYC teachers get paid well? ›

For 2021-22, starting salaries for teachers range from $61,070 (bachelor's degree, no prior teaching experience) to $83,972 (master's degree, eight years teaching experience, without additional coursework). New teachers with a master's degree but no prior teaching experience will earn $68,252.

What is top salary for NYC teachers? ›

With annual increases plus increases for additional coursework, teachers' salaries will rise to the current maximum of $100,049 per year over time. Salary Steps and Longevity A salary step is an incremental increase in salary based on previous qualifying professional experience.

How much money do Long Island teachers make? ›

The average Public School Teacher salary in Long Island City, NY is $66,700 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $55,706 and $81,326.

Is there a shortage of teachers on Long Island? ›

Camhi, who is also president of AASA, the national school superintendents association, said teacher shortages are not as severe on Long Island as elsewhere in the nation, due to higher salaries. However, there are local shortages in many fields and instances of poaching of teachers from one district by another.

How much does an elementary teacher make on Long Island? ›

The average Teacher Elementary School salary in Nassau, NY is $67,636 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $55,503 and $81,687.

Why am I not getting hired as a teacher? ›

One reason you may not be getting hired as a teacher is you're not showcasing your strengths. Most people struggle to show themselves in their best light. We shy away from behaviors that we perceive as self-promoting. The goal of a job interview is to show your interviewers why you're the perfect candidate.

Which teachers are most in demand? ›

No matter where you are, it's a great time to become a teacher.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL). ESL educators are some of the most in demand teachers. ...
  • Math Teaching. Another teacher subject in demand is mathematics. ...
  • Science Teaching. What about science teachers? ...
  • Social Studies Teaching. ...
  • Special Education Teaching.
18 Dec 2020

What month do most new teachers get hired? ›

April/May:

This is one of the best times to apply for teaching jobs, as many openings are posted during the spring. Job fairs are often held during this time, which are a great opportunity to network and learn more about schools you might like to teach at.

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