Are you a dedicated paraprofessional in the New York City Department of Education (DOE) system looking to advance your career in education? The Career Training Program (CTP) offers a fantastic opportunity for eligible paraprofessionals within the UFT to earn their first bachelor’s degree, tuition-free. This comprehensive program is designed to support your academic journey while you continue to contribute to NYC public schools.
The Career Training Program Doe is a tuition assistance initiative that pays for 3 to 6 undergraduate credits per semester at participating colleges and universities. For those enrolled in five or more credits, the program also provides 2.5 hours of Release Time per week to facilitate focused study. Furthermore, paraprofessionals can apply for a Summer Stipend to further support their academic pursuits during the summer months.
Participating in the Career Training Program DOE requires paraprofessionals to take initiative in researching, applying to, and enrolling in a participating accredited institution. This program empowers you to take control of your educational path while providing substantial financial and time-based support.
Eligibility for the Career Training Program DOE
To be considered for this valuable Career Training Program DOE, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Full-Time Paraprofessional Status: Applicants must be employed as a full-time paraprofessional within a NYC public school.
- Payroll Status: You must be actively payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at the time of application and maintain this status throughout the application school year.
- First Bachelor’s Degree: This program is designed for paraprofessionals who have not yet attained a bachelor’s degree.
- Matriculation Requirement: Candidates must provide proof of mandatory matriculation into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits.
- Exclusion of Substitute Paraprofessionals: Substitute paraprofessionals are not eligible for the Career Training Program DOE.
- Credit Limit: The Career Training Program DOE covers up to 120 credits towards your first bachelor’s degree. Exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This 120-credit limit includes any transfer credits or credits earned before program entry. For instance, if you begin the program with existing credits, the program will cover the remaining credits up to the 120-credit maximum.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for program eligibility.
- Maintaining Academic Standing: Participants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 (“C” average) to remain eligible for the CTP Voucher. Falling below this GPA will result in ineligibility.
- Course Grade Policy: The NYC Public Schools will not provide funding for courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals.
- Financial Responsibility: Paraprofessionals who become ineligible for the Career Training Program DOE are responsible for all subsequent course costs, tuition, and associated fees.
Financial Aid and the Career Training Program DOE
Financial aid options play a crucial role in making education accessible. For paraprofessionals eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant, these resources will be applied to tuition expenses first. The Career Training Program DOE then covers the remaining tuition balance directly to the college or university.
It’s important to note that the Career Training Program DOE specifically covers tuition costs. Paraprofessionals are responsible for covering expenses such as course materials, activity fees, application fees, technology fees, and any other charges levied by the institution.
Application Deadlines for the Career Training Program DOE
Staying aware of application deadlines is crucial to participate in the Career Training Program DOE. Applications are available for each semester according to the following schedule:
- Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st
Crucially, a separate application must be submitted for each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer) you wish to participate in the program. Unused vouchers cannot be carried over to future or past semesters.
| CTP Fact Sheet | Click Here |
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| CTP FAQ Document | Click Here |
| CTP UFT Paraprofessional Release Time Memo | Click Here |
| CTP DC-37 Paraprofessional Release Time Memo | Click Here |
| CTP Brochure | Click Here |
| Approved Colleges and Universities | Click Here |
| Summer Stipend Fact Sheet | Click Here |
| Summer Stipend Application | Click Here |
| CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form | Click Here |
| CTP Sample Confirmation Email | Click Here |
Important Updates for Career Training Program DOE Applicants:
- NYCPS Email Address Requirement: To ensure you receive your confirmation email and voucher promptly, you must use your official NYCPS email address when applying. Personal email addresses from domains outside of NYCPS will no longer be accepted.
- Voucher College/University Changes: To modify the college or university listed on your voucher, you must download and submit the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form (linked above). Please allow 48 hours for processing.
- Application Confirmation: Expect to receive an application confirmation email within 24-48 hours of submitting your Career Training Program DOE application. If you do not receive this confirmation, your application was not successfully submitted, and you must re-apply.
| APPLY HERE |
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For detailed guidance on the application process, please consult the CTP Application Guide.
For any further inquiries regarding the Career Training Program DOE, please do not hesitate to contact the program administrators via email at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 935-2449.
Expanding Your Career Pathway: Additional Programs for Paraprofessionals
Beyond the Career Training Program DOE, the NYC Public Schools offer several other initiatives designed to support paraprofessionals in their professional growth within the education system. These programs include opportunities for student teaching leave, graduate reimbursement, certification testing reimbursement, and advancement to Lead Teacher Assistant roles.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program
The NYCPS provides a Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program, granting eligible paraprofessionals up to 40 days of paid leave to fulfill student teaching requirements. This program recognizes that some higher education institutions may not accept paraprofessional work in lieu of formal student teaching.
Important Program Details:
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Limited Availability: The PSTLOA program has a cap of 100 leaves per year (50 in the fall and 50 in the spring) and is application-based. Approval is required before commencing the leave.
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Full-time, active paraprofessional with at least one full school year of service (substitute service does not count).
- Active payroll status as a full-time paraprofessional during application and throughout the application school year.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the program of study.
- Enrollment in a NYSED-approved teacher certification program. (Note: Online and out-of-state colleges must have NYSED approval for teacher certification programs to be eligible).
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Category-Based Eligibility:
- Category A: Paraprofessionals with an education degree lacking student teaching for certification.
- Category B: Master’s degree candidates needing student teaching for initial certification.
- Category C: Undergraduate candidates needing student teaching for initial certification.
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Restrictions:
- Application documents must be submitted at least four weeks before the requested leave date.
- Limited annual availability in fall and spring semesters.
- Leaves prioritized based on need, with preference for graduates of teacher education programs.
- One-time application limit per applicant.
- Leaves beyond 40 days require a separate unpaid leave application through the SOE SOLAS system.
- Leaves are exclusively for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification, not for non-teaching positions.
| Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview | Click here |
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| APPLICATION AVAILABILITY: |
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| Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st |
| Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (THE APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED – We have reached our application cap.) |
| APPLY HERE |
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| Please click the SUBMIT button on your application to ensure successful submission. Confirmation emails will be sent upon successful application. Re-apply if you do not receive confirmation. |
Mail required documents to:
New York City Public Schools
Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services
65 Court Street, Room 508, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Attn: Paraprofessional Student Teaching LOA Program
For further information, contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
The NYCPS Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program offers financial assistance to eligible paraprofessionals pursuing graduate education to become certified teachers. The program reimburses up to 12 graduate credits for those enrolled in a qualifying graduate program.
Key Program Highlights:
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Eligibility Requirements:
- Matriculation in a NYS-approved graduate education program leading to teacher certification.
- Completion of at least 12 graduate credits within the program.
- Minimum of one full year of paid paraprofessional experience within NYCPS.
- Active full-time paraprofessional payroll status during application and throughout the school year.
- Coursework must be part of a master’s degree in education leading to NYS certification in a classroom teaching discipline.
- Passing grade of “B” or better required for reimbursement.
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Restrictions:
- Reimbursement at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- Excludes programs not leading to NYS classroom teacher certification (e.g., guidance counseling, psychology).
- No reimbursement for prerequisite courses or coursework before program admission.
- Release time not applicable for graduate credits.
- Reimbursement limited to courses for initial certification.
- Financial aid will be prioritized; NYCPS covers the remaining tuition balance.
- Reimbursement checks must be picked up in person at the Office of Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services (photo ID required).
| Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information | Click here |
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| APPLICATION AVAILABILITY: |
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| Annually: February 1st — March 31st |
| APPLY HERE |
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| Please click the SUBMIT button to ensure successful application. Confirmation emails will be sent upon successful application. Re-apply if you do not receive confirmation. |
Mail required documents to:
New York City Public Schools
Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services
65 Court Street, Room 508, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Attn: Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
For further information, contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
To further support aspiring educators, the NYCPS offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400 for state teacher certificate application fees and NYS certification exams.
Program Details:
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Eligibility:
- NYS teacher certification attained on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Receipts for NYS Examinations and NYS Teacher Application.
- Reimbursement requests must be made within one year of certification.
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Required Documentation:
- Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Application.
- NYS Teacher Application and NYS Examination receipts.
- Proof of passing certification examinations.
| Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview | Click Here |
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| Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application | Click Here |
| APPLICATION AVAILABILITY: |
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| Annually: March 1st – April 30th |
For further information, contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA)
The Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions offer experienced paraprofessionals the opportunity to take on expanded roles in the classroom, supporting instruction under teacher supervision. These annual positions provide additional compensation (up to $5,000) and serve as a career pathway towards teaching roles.
Key Position Information:
- Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
- Active NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III).
- One year of full-time paraprofessional service at NYCDOE.
- Satisfactory attendance and punctuality record.
- Bilingual LTA applicants must demonstrate fluency in the required language(s).
| LTA/BLTA Position Posting | Click Here |
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| APPLY HERE |
| APPLICATION AVAILABILITY: |
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| Annually: January 1 – March 31 |
For further information about LTA/BLTA positions, contact [email protected] or 718-935-2449.
This comprehensive suite of programs, including the Career Training Program DOE, demonstrates the NYC Public Schools’ commitment to supporting the professional development and career advancement of its dedicated paraprofessionals. Take advantage of these opportunities to invest in your future and further your impact in education.
