Teaching in New York City can be a challenging and rewarding career path. Public school teachers in New York City are employed by the New York City Department of Education–the largest public school district in the country with over one million students and 75,000 teachers in 1,800 schools.1 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. You will need teaching certification to work in the public school system, although this certification is not necessarily required in private and charter schools in New York City. Continue reading to learn more about how to become a teacher in New York City.
New York City Teacher Certification Requirements
If you have a bachelor’s degree and completed teacher preparation from a recognized New York state program or a similar program in another state, you can apply for a traditional certificate. New teachers will be issued an Initial Certificate, while experienced teachers may be eligible for the Professional Certificate. Take a look at our New York certification page for more information.
If you did not complete teacher preparation as part of your bachelor’s degree program, you can complete this requirement while you teach through a New York alternative certification program. These types of certificates include the Transitional A certificate for career and technical education teachers with experience but no degree or the Transitional B certificate for teaching fellows who are eligible to earn the certificate while they teach through programs such as the New York Teaching Collaborative, which places teachers in the highest-need schools. Our New York alternative certification page has more information about these options.
Teacher Certification Programs in New York City
The following colleges and universities offer teacher certification programs in New York City that can qualify you for a teaching certificate or, if you are already certified, an additional endorsem*nt. You can also read more about programs statewide on our New York schools page.
- Bard College
- Barnard College
- Boricua College
- College of Mount Saint Vincent
- College of Staten Island
- Columbia University
- CUNY Hunter College
- CUNY Lehman College
- CUNY Medgar Evers College
- CUNY York College
- Fordham University
- Long Island University
- Manhattan College
- Marymount Manhattan College
- Mercy College
- Metropolitan College of New York
- Monroe College
- The New School
- New York City College of Technology
- New York University
- Nyack College
- Pace University
- Plaza College
- Queens College
- Rockefeller University
- St. Francis College
- St. John’s University
- St. Joseph’s College
- SUNY Empire State College
- Touro College
- Wagner College
- Yeshiva University
New York City School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher
To work as a teacher or substitute teacher in New York City, you will need to have a teaching certificate issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) or have a bachelor’s degree and complete an alternative program that allows you to earn the certificate while you work, such as the New York City Teaching Fellows program. There are several programs offered to earn this certificate depending on your prior education and experience. You can learn more about these statewide requirements in the New York certification section below. Once you have obtained the NYSED teaching certificate, follow the steps below to look for New York City teaching jobs.
Step 1: Complete your application.
You must first complete the New York City Department of Education Online Teacher Application. The application includes employment and educational history, professional references, and essay questions. Your application must be approved before you can search for and apply to teaching jobs in New York City.
Step 2: Contact schools directly to apply for open jobs.
If your application is accepted, you will be eligible to apply for open jobs using the New Teacher Finder tool on the application website, applying to schools directly, or attending recruitment events. Schools in New York City make hiring decisions individually; therefore, you will need to contact each school independently to apply for open jobs. Schools may also contact you and invite you to attend job fairs or interviews using the online portal system.
Step 3: Attend an interview.
Depending on the school, you will likely be asked to attend at least one in-person interview to determine your suitability for the position. Often, prospective teachers will be asked to conduct a classroom experience in front of a panel of peers based on a prepared lesson plan. Participants will evaluate the lesson plan and the delivery of the lesson to determine whether a candidate is a good fit for that school. Further details regarding the interview process will be provided by each individual school if they choose to proceed with your application.
Step 4: Complete the hiring process.
If you receive a job offer, you will likely need to complete administrative requirements, such as setting up your state email address and payroll deposits. Any other specific details will be communicated to you by the school.
Contact Information
New York City Department of Education
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NYCschools/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYCSchools?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
8 Spruce St
New York, NY 10038
(212) 233-2324
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/home
How to Become a Substitute Teacher with the New York City School District
To become a substitute teacher, the principal of the school where you wish to work must nominate you to the New York City Department of Education via an online application; therefore, you will need to contact the school directly to express your interest. To become a substitute teacher in NYC, you need to have a bachelor’s degree, English proficiency, and the legal ability to work in the US and will be asked to fill out an online application form. If you already have a regular teaching certificate, you may be issued an additional Per Diem Teaching Certificate that allows you to work as a substitute teacher in any school in the state.
Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in New York City
Private and charter schools in NYC have individualized requirements for teacher applicants. In most cases, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree and some experience working with children to be eligible, although a master’s degree, teaching experience, or state certification will significantly improve your chances of finding a job in this type of school. Private and charter schools operate independently of the public school system, although charter schools receive public funding. If you are interested in teaching jobs in these types of schools, contact individual schools directly for information on hiring requirements.
The Largest K-12 Schools in New York City
The table below will help you compare the largest public, private, and charter schools in New York City that may be hiring qualified educators.
| School | Type | Grade Level | # Students | Student-Teacher
Ratio |
|---|
| PS 89-Elmhurst | Public | K-5 | 1,960 | 15:1 |
| PS 19-Marino Jeantet | Public | K-5 | 1,894 | 13:1 |
| New Explorations into Science, Technology & Math School | Public | K-12 | 1,729 | 19:1 |
| IS 61-Leonardo da Vinci | Public | 6-8 | 2,225 | 14:1 |
| IS 73-The Frank Sansivieri Intermediate School | Public | 6-8 | 1,981 | 14:1 |
| JHS 234-Arthur W. Cunningham | Public | 6-8 | 1,909 | 17:1 |
| Brooklyn Technical High School | Public | 9-12 | 5,839 | 24:1 |
| Fort Hamilton High School | Public | 9-12 | 4,580 | 20:1 |
| Francis Lewis High School | Public | 9-12 | 4,541 | 20:1 |
| Excellence Girls Charter School | Charter | K-12 | 1,452 | 14:1 |
| Brooklyn Ascend Charter School | Charter | K-11 | 1,395 | 13:1 |
| Success Academy Harlem 1 | Charter | K-12 | 1,184 | 11:1 |
| Central UTA School | Private | PK-12 | 4,975 | 12:1 |
| Bais Rochel School | Private | PK-12 | 3,587 | 10:1 |
| United Talmudical Academy | Private | PK-12 | 3,319 | 13:1 |
See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.
New York City Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
As is common in other states and metros, the average salary for teachers in New York City increases based on the age range taught. According to the New York Department of Labor, in 2018 NYC kindergarten teachers earned an average salary of $66,310, while elementary teachers earned $80,300, middle school teachers earned $79,260, and secondary school teachers earned $80,840.2 These averages are below statewide averages as of 2018, which showed that kindergarten teachers earned an average of $79,410, elementary school teachers earned $83,010, middle school teachers earned $83,490, and secondary school teachers earned $85,300.3
Long-term projections for teacher positions suggest that jobs growth for teachers in New York City should increase by between 4% and 5% through 2026.2 Special education teachers in preschool and kindergarten and elementary school should see even stronger growth, at 18.8% and 7.2% respectively.2
New York City Teacher Shortage Areas
The US Department of Education bases some student loan forgiveness programs on teacher shortage areas, meaning that your chances of qualifying for loan forgiveness may be stronger if you are teaching a subject that has been formally identified as a shortage area. You may also qualify for other funding opportunities or a more competitive salary based on your endorsem*nt(s). Note that shortage areas may change from year to year, so you should be sure to check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. For the 2017-2018 school year, the following subject areas were recognized as shortage areas in New York City:4
- Arts (Dance, Music, Theatre: All Grades)
- Bilingual Education: Not Special Education (All Grades)
- Career and Technical Education (All Grades)
- Childhood and Elementary Education
- English (7-12)
- Health Education (All Grades)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE) (All Grades)
- Mathematics (7-12)
- Reading and Literacy (All Grades)
- Sciences (7-12)
- Social Studies (7-12)
- Special Education (Bilingual): (All Grades)
- Special Education (Not Bilingual): Elementary
- Special Education (Not Bilingual): Middle/Secondary
New York City Teaching Job Boards
Job postings for public school positions are available to applicants who have been accepted by the NYSED; however, you can still find postings for private and charter school jobs on the following sites. You can also check out our jobs board to search for teaching jobs in NYC.
Additional Resources
- EngageNY: An archived program maintained by the New York State Education Department that provides supplemental educational materials and curriculum support for mathematics and English Language Arts.
- NYS Teacher Centers: A network of teaching centers that provide professional development to support student achievement.
- United Federation of Teachers: Union that works to support the needs of educators across all five NYC boroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How many teachers are there in New York City?
Answer: According to data from the New York Department of Labor, there are over 126,000 teachers in New York City.2 In addition to these professionals, there are an estimated 8,400 substitute teachers in NYC, as well as approximately 37,860 teacher assistants.2
Question: How much do New York City substitute teachers make?
Answer: Substitutes in NYC are paid a daily rate of $188.75 for each day worked.5 NYC public school substitutes are not eligible for other benefits.
Question: Can you become a substitute teacher without certification in New York City?
Answer: If you do not have teacher certification, you must have a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the English language. A school principal must nominate you for an open substitute position, which will then be considered by the school district. You can read more about becoming a substitute through the NYC schools website.
Table Notes and References:
1. Niche, Largest Schools in New York City: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/new-york-city-ny/
References:
1. New York City Department of Education: Teach NYC: https://teachnyc.net/why-teach-nyc
2. New York State Department of Labor: https://dol.ny.gov/labor-data
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, New York: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ny.htm#25-0000
4. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas Nationwide Listing: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/pol/bteachershortageareasreport201718.pdf
5. New York City Department of Education, Substitute Teaching: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/careers/substitute-teaching
FAQs
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.
What do I need to be a teacher in NYC? ›
Like most states, New York requires that all state teachers hold a bachelor's degree, complete a New York teacher certification program, and pass the required content examinations. Upon meeting the requirements for certification, an applicant may be issued an initial certificate, which is valid for five years.
How much do NYC 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.
Are teachers well paid in New York? ›
And New York is one of the best states for teacher pay. The state ranked third in the report, with an average teacher salary of $87,738 in the 2020-2021 school year. Compared to the average salary of other jobs in New York at $70,460, teachers are paid 24.5% more.
What is the 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 often do teachers get paid in NYC? ›
Pay days are Fridays, with a one-week lag for regular pay and two-week lag for exceptions. Department of Education (DoE) teachers are paid semi-monthly. For some school programs, DoE makes separate payments to teachers and mails these checks to teachers' homes.
Are teachers in demand in NYC? ›
The state needs approximately 180,000 new teachers over the next decade to meet workforce needs.
How much do teachers make per hour in NYC? ›
How much does a Teacher make in New York? As of Nov 9, 2022, the average annual pay for a Teacher in New York is $33,078 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $15.90 an hour. This is the equivalent of $636/week or $2,756/month.
Do NYC teachers need a masters? ›
Bachelor's degree required
As the chart shows, a bachelor's degree is required to become a teacher in New York state.
Who is the highest paid teacher in NY? ›
Of those, the top two made over $500,000. A Central Islip educator ranked as the highest-paid public school employee in New York. Kevin Donovan made $509,313 in 2020, which is significantly less than the top-paid educator in 2019, James Feltman who made $657,970 as an educator in the Commack School District.
These are the best-paying cities for K-12 teachers
- New York, New York. New York City Department of Education is the largest school district in the U.S., serving 1.1 million students in more than 1,800 schools. ...
- Los Angeles, California. ...
- Houston, Texas. ...
- Dallas, Texas. ...
- Chicago, Illinois. ...
- Atlanta, Georgia. ...
- Phoenix, Arizona.
What is more, these work hours – 42.3 hours per workweek – are far above the average workweek as measured by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – 34.3 hours per week. Let's begin with that 3 o'clock comment. A teacher's work day is never over at the final bell.
Where do teachers live in NYC? ›
you will most likely live upper east side, upper west side, financial district or harlem/columbia heights.
What type of teacher is paid the most? ›
Professor. When you are looking for the best-paid teaching jobs for your area of interest or specialized skill, then you may consider working as a professor in a college or university. A college professor prepares course material, teaches students in a classroom environment, and grades student work.
What state pays teacher the most? ›
Pennsylvania, California and New York have the highest average teacher salaries in the country, compared to all other occupations.
Do NYC teachers get paid over the summer? ›
No teacher gets paid over the summer. School districts don't pay teachers for days they don't work.
How much pension do NYC teachers get? ›
Generally, the maximum pension payable to Tier 1 and 2 members (with two years of credit under the Benefit Enhance- ment law) is 79% of final average salary. For members retiring under Tiers 4 and 5, the pension for 30 years of service is 60% of final average salary.
Do NYC teachers get overtime? ›
Are Teachers Entitled to Overtime Pay in New York? Generally, New York Labor Law requires that all employers pay employees 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 hours in a given workweek.
Do teachers get paid on holidays NYC? ›
Holidays including national holidays and some religious holidays. There are paid holidays included in the school calendar. Holidays coincide with regular school holidays / weeks off.
How many days do teachers work in NY? ›
But remember, again, that teachers' contracts aren't actually for 12 months a year. Contracts are usually for 39 weeks, or around 180 days.
A teaching job in NYC is a great job to have. The NYC Department of Education offers competitive salaries, free health benefits, job security, a strong union, and many other things that make this a good place to teach and work.
What type of teacher is most in demand? ›
Which teaching subject is most in demand? While specific needs vary by institution, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are subjects that are always in high demand.
Is New York a good place to be a teacher? ›
Teachers are more fairly compensated in some states than in others, though. According to WalletHub, the most teacher-friendly state in 2022 is New York.
Do teachers get paid over the summer? ›
You will not be paid over the summer. However, 12% will be removed from the current hourly casual and non-casual rates. This represents the teachers' statutory annual leave entitlement of 4 weeks per year.
What is the highest paying job? ›
Highest Paying Occupations
| OCCUPATION | 2021 MEDIAN PAY |
|---|
| General internal medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
| Family medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
| Emergency medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
17 more rows8 Sept 2022
The average salary for a elementary school teacher in New York is $53,500 per year. Elementary school teacher salaries in New York can vary between $23,000 to $104,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
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.
How long does it take to become a teacher in NY? ›
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.
What to study to become a teacher? ›
Ed degree (Bachelor's of Education) with a minimum of 55% marks is required to become a teacher. The pass percentage required may vary from school to school. Apart from a B. Ed degree some schools also ask for master's degree in the respective field to teach higher classes.
Which state has the lowest teacher salary? ›
Mississippi has the lowest average teacher salary of $45,574, followed by West Virginia with $47,826. The other states with average teacher salaries under $50,000 a year are New Mexico, Florida, South Dakota, Kansas, and Arizona.
...
Teacher Pay by State 2022.
| State | Teacher Salary |
|---|
| South Dakota | $49,761 |
| Mississippi | $47,162 |
48 more rowsLiving on a teacher salary is more than possible and it doesn't necessarily mean you can't have any fun. As long as you know what money is coming in monthly, what needs to go out to bills monthly, and use what's left responsibly, you will not have to stress about money (as much).
What is the best place to live as a teacher? ›
Overall ranking of best and worst states for teachers in 2022
| Rank | State | Overall cost of living rank |
|---|
| 1 | New York | 49 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 47 |
| 3 | Connecticut | 43 |
| 4 | New Jersey | 40 |
46 more rows31 May 2022
Once you begin teaching full-time, you can enroll as a union member with the UFT. As a UFT-represented employee, you will be entitled to premium-free health insurance and an array of UFT Welfare Fund-administered supplemental health benefits that include prescription drugs, dental care, optical coverage, and more.
How long is a NYC school day? ›
Though next year the definition of a “full” day reverts back to pre-pandemic hours for students. Instead of this year's five hours and 20 minutes, students will attend for six hours and 20 minutes, education department officials confirmed.
Do teachers get paid weekly? ›
Teachers are paid monthly .
Can teachers live comfortably? ›
Yes, in general, K-12 teachers in the U.S make enough money to live comfortably depending on how they are accustomed to living. Other factors include standard of living, geographic location, family status, and saving habits.
Where are teachers most needed in us? ›
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. In comparison, Utah had less than one missing teacher per 10,000 students.
Where are teachers most respected? ›
In countries like China and Ghana, society sees teachers as highly competent and, at the same time, they are viewed with great respect.
What subject is best to teach? ›
Best Subjects to Teach in the Classroom
- Art.
- Biology.
- Chemistry.
- English.
- French.
- Health & PE.
- Mathematics.
- Music Education.
Yes, it's true. Teachers who've been on the job for several years can earn six figures in many states. Sure, teaching isn't the highest paying gig out there, with a median salary of $57,949 ($3,000 below other professions that require a BA degree).
Top Jobs for Former Teachers
- HR Specialist. Human resources (HR) specialists possess several of the same skills as teachers. ...
- Training and Development Specialist. ...
- Education Consultant. ...
- Writer. ...
- Museum Education Director. ...
- Real Estate Agent. ...
- ESL Teacher. ...
- Instructional Coordinator.
Best States for Teachers
- Washington. Washington's overall score of 56.28 makes it the best state in the U.S. for teachers, ranking second for Opportunity & Competition and tenth for Academic & Work Environment. ...
- Utah. ...
- New Jersey. ...
- Delaware. ...
- Pennsylvania. ...
- North Dakota. ...
- Virginia. ...
- Maryland.
Public School Ranking by State
| Overall Rank | State | Quality |
|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 1 |
| 2 | Connecticut | 2 |
| 3 | New Jersey | 3 |
| 4 | Virginia | 4 |
47 more rows25 Jul 2022
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.
Is there a teacher shortage in NYC? ›
The district currently has multiple instructional shortages in science, math, technology and music. Harper mentioned that some content areas are harder to recruit to rural districts. “When you're looking for a science teacher, a math teacher, a special education teacher, those are very hard to come by,” Dr.
Is New York a good state for teachers? ›
New York State ranked first overall as the best state for teachers, according to the study. It received a total overall score of 59.33, based on the key metrics. It ranked first for the highest teacher salary across the country, which was adjusted for the cost of living.
Where do most teachers live in NYC? ›
Where Do NYC's Teachers and Principals Live Compared With Where They Work?
- 67% of the 70,328 teachers live within the five boroughs.
- Teachers in Queens and the Bronx are the most likely to live outside the five boroughs.
- 81% of Staten Island teachers live in the same borough as they work, as do 57% of Brooklyn teachers.
So, if the teachers in NYC are like mine or similar to mine, then yes, NYC teacher do get paid over summer vacation, ONLY because their pay check is spread out over the year.
What kind of teachers make the most money? ›
Professor
When you are looking for the best-paid teaching jobs for your area of interest or specialized skill, then you may consider working as a professor in a college or university. A college professor prepares course material, teaches students in a classroom environment, and grades student work.
Where do teachers get paid the most? ›
Pennsylvania, California and New York have the highest average teacher salaries in the country, compared to all other occupations.
KPSC Age Limit and Age Relaxation
To apply for the teacher recruitment exam, a candidate must be between 21-42 years.
How much do teachers in NYC make a week? ›
Teacher Salary in New York
| Annual Salary | Weekly Pay |
|---|
| Top Earners | $51,924 | $998 |
| 75th Percentile | $39,899 | $767 |
| Average | $33,078 | $636 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,689 | $494 |
Mississippi has the lowest average teacher salary of $45,574, followed by West Virginia with $47,826. The other states with average teacher salaries under $50,000 a year are New Mexico, Florida, South Dakota, Kansas, and Arizona.
...
Teacher Pay by State 2022.
| State | Teacher Salary |
|---|
| South Dakota | $49,761 |
| Mississippi | $47,162 |
48 more rows
