Are you a paraprofessional in the NYC public school system looking to take the next step in your career? The New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) is committed to supporting the professional growth of its paraprofessionals. One of the key initiatives designed to empower these essential educators is the Career Training Program (CTP). This comprehensive program offers paraprofessionals a unique opportunity to pursue higher education and advance their careers within the school system. But the CTP is just one of several pathways available. Let’s explore how these career training programs for paraprofessionals can help you achieve your professional aspirations.
The Career Training Program (CTP): Your Path to a Bachelor’s Degree
The cornerstone of paraprofessional career development at NYCPS is the Career Training Program. This program is specifically designed to enable eligible paraprofessionals to earn their first bachelor’s degree. Recognizing the financial barriers to higher education, the CTP provides tuition assistance for undergraduate study at participating colleges and universities.
Key Benefits of the CTP:
- Tuition Coverage: The program covers tuition costs for 3 to 6 credits per semester, making higher education more accessible.
- Release Time for Study: Participants enrolled in five or more credit hours are eligible for 2.5 hours of paid release time per week to dedicate to their studies. This crucial support helps balance work and academic responsibilities.
- Summer Stipend Opportunities: Additional financial support may be available through summer stipends to further assist with study-related expenses.
Alt text: Dedicated paraprofessionals assist students in a vibrant NYC public school classroom, highlighting the supportive learning environment.
Eligibility for the Career Training Program:
To be considered for this valuable career training program, paraprofessionals must meet specific criteria:
- Full-Time Employment: Applicants must be full-time paraprofessionals currently employed in a NYC public school and must maintain this status throughout the application period and school year.
- No Prior Bachelor’s Degree: The program is for paraprofessionals who are seeking their first bachelor’s degree.
- Matriculation Requirement: Candidates must demonstrate proof of matriculation into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required to both enter and maintain eligibility in the program. Falling below this GPA will result in ineligibility.
- Credit Limit: The program covers up to 120 credits towards the first bachelor’s degree. Prior college credits will be deducted from this total.
- Course Grade Policy: NYCPS does not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals.
Financial Aspects of the CTP:
The Career Training Program aims to minimize the financial burden of higher education. Financial aid options play a significant role in this:
- Leveraging Federal and State Aid: The program encourages participants to utilize Federal Pell Grants and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants. These grants will be applied first to tuition expenses.
- NYCPS Tuition Billing: NYCPS will be billed for the remaining tuition balance after federal and state aid is applied.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: It’s important to note that the program does not cover course materials or various college fees such as activity, application, or technology fees. These remain the responsibility of the paraprofessional.
Applying for the Career Training Program:
Applications for the Career Training Program are available during specific periods throughout the year:
- Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st
Crucial Application Notes:
- Semester-Specific Application: A separate application is required for each semester (fall, spring, and summer). Vouchers cannot be carried over between semesters.
- NYCPS Email Address: Applicants must use their official NYCPS email address to ensure they receive confirmation and voucher information. Personal email addresses are no longer accepted.
- Confirmation Email: Expect a confirmation email within 24-48 hours of submitting your application. If you do not receive confirmation, your application was not successfully submitted and must be resubmitted.
For detailed guidance on the application process, refer to the CTP Application Guide.
Beyond the Bachelor’s: Additional Career Pathways
While the CTP focuses on bachelor’s degree attainment, NYCPS offers other programs to support paraprofessionals seeking different career advancement routes within education. These include programs focused on teacher certification and leadership roles.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program
For those pursuing teacher certification, the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program offers a valuable opportunity. This program provides up to 40 days of paid leave to complete mandatory student teaching requirements. This is especially helpful in situations where colleges do not accept paraprofessional work experience in lieu of formal student teaching.
Alt text: A paraprofessional collaborates with a teacher in a classroom, demonstrating teamwork in early childhood education.
Key points:
- Limited leaves are available each year (50 in fall, 50 in spring).
- Application and approval are required before taking leave.
- Eligibility criteria include full-time employment, minimum GPA, and enrollment in a NYSED-approved teacher certification program.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
This program assists paraprofessionals already enrolled in graduate programs leading to teacher certification. NYCPS will reimburse up to 12 graduate credits upon successful completion of coursework.
Key points:
- Reimbursement is at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- Eligibility includes matriculation in a NYS-approved graduate education program, completion of 12 credits, and satisfactory paraprofessional experience.
- Coursework must be part of a master’s degree in a classroom teaching discipline and have a grade of “B” or better.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
To further ease the transition to teaching, NYCPS offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400 for state teacher certification application and examination fees.
Key points:
- Reimbursement is available for paraprofessionals who have attained NYS teacher certification.
- Requests must be made within one year of certification and include receipts.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA)
For paraprofessionals seeking leadership opportunities without immediately pursuing full teacher certification, the LTA/BLTA positions offer a step forward. These annual positions provide additional classroom responsibilities and compensation (up to $5,000).
Key points:
- Requires a bachelor’s degree and a Teacher Assistant Certificate.
- Provides enhanced classroom roles and experience under teacher supervision.
- Serves as a potential pathway to a teaching career.
Take the Next Step in Your Career
NYCPS provides a robust network of career training programs for paraprofessionals. Whether you aim to earn your bachelor’s degree, pursue teacher certification, or take on leadership roles, these programs offer the support and resources you need. Explore the program that aligns with your career goals and unlock your full potential within the NYC public school system.
For Further Information:
For the Career Training Program (CTP) and Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA/BLTA) positions:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (718) 935-2449
For the Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program and Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program and Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (718) 935-2449
Apply Today and Invest in Your Future!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and based on the information available in the original document. Please refer to the official NYCPS websites and program documents for the most up-to-date details and requirements.
