For dedicated paraprofessionals within the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), the path to becoming a certified teacher is more accessible than ever through a range of comprehensive career training programs. These initiatives, designed to support and elevate the skills of paraprofessionals, offer financial assistance, professional development, and structured pathways to advance your career in education. If you’re asking, “What Are Career Training Programs that can help me become a teacher?”, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explore the various programs available, offering a detailed look into how you can leverage these opportunities to achieve your career aspirations.
The NYCPS recognizes the invaluable experience and dedication of its paraprofessionals. To foster their professional growth and address the critical need for qualified teachers, several programs have been established. These career training programs are not just about financial aid; they are about providing a structured support system to help paraprofessionals navigate the complexities of higher education and teacher certification.
This article will delve into the specifics of each program, outlining eligibility criteria, financial benefits, and application processes. Whether you are looking to earn your first bachelor’s degree, need support for student teaching, or seek reimbursement for graduate studies, there’s a program tailored to your needs. Let’s explore these pathways and understand how you can take the next step in your education career journey.
Career Training Program (CTP): Earning Your Bachelor’s Degree
The Career Training Program (CTP) is a cornerstone initiative designed to empower eligible UFT paraprofessionals to achieve their first bachelor’s degree. Understanding “what are career training programs” often starts with recognizing the importance of foundational degrees, and CTP directly addresses this. This program offers tuition coverage for 3 to 6 credits per semester at participating colleges and universities, making higher education financially feasible.
Participants enrolled in five or more credit hours also benefit from 2.5 hours of Release Time per week, providing dedicated study hours during their work week. Additionally, a Summer Stipend opportunity is available to further support study efforts during the summer months. Paraprofessionals are responsible for selecting, applying to, and enrolling in an approved institution, showcasing the program’s emphasis on individual initiative within a supportive framework.
Eligibility Criteria for CTP:
- Full-time Paraprofessional Status: Applicants must be full-time paraprofessionals in a NYC public school without a bachelor’s degree.
- Payroll Status: Must be actively payrolled as full-time during application and throughout the application school year.
- Matriculation Proof: Required to show proof of matriculation into a degree-bearing program after accumulating 45 credits.
- GPA Requirement: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to both enter and remain in the program. Dropping below this GPA results in ineligibility.
- Credit Limit: The program covers up to 120 credits towards the first bachelor’s degree, accounting for any transfer credits or credits earned before program entry.
- Ineligible Courses: NYCPS does not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals.
Financial Aspects of CTP:
CTP aims to minimize the financial burden of higher education. Financial aid options like the Federal Pell Grant and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) are utilized first. NYCPS then covers the remaining tuition balance, billed directly by the college or university. It is important to note that NYCPS does not cover additional fees such as activity, application, or technology fees, which remain the responsibility of the paraprofessional.
Application Windows:
- Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st
Note: Applications are required for each semester, and vouchers cannot be rolled over to future semesters.
For more detailed information, refer to the CTP Fact Sheet and CTP FAQ Document. To apply, visit the application portal.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program: Completing Your Certification
For paraprofessionals further along their path to becoming teachers, the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program is a vital resource. Understanding “what are career training programs” for advanced stages includes recognizing the importance of practical experience, which PSTLOA facilitates. This program provides up to 40 days of paid leave to complete mandatory student teaching requirements, a critical step in teacher certification.
Eligibility for PSTLOA:
- Employment History: Applicants must be full-time employees with at least one full school year as a paraprofessional (substitute work does not qualify).
- Payroll Status: Must be actively payrolled as full-time during application and throughout the application school year.
- GPA Requirement: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their program of study.
- Enrollment in NYSED Approved Program: Must be enrolled in a NYSED-approved teacher certification program. Online or out-of-state programs must have NYSED approval to qualify.
- Category Eligibility: Must fit into one of three categories:
- Category A: Degree in education but lacking student teaching for certification.
- Category B: Master’s program seeking initial certification requiring student teaching.
- Category C: Undergraduate program seeking initial certification requiring student teaching.
Key Restrictions for PSTLOA:
- Application Deadlines: Applications are limited annually for fall and spring semesters, with leave approvals capped at 100 per year (50 per semester).
- Leave Duration: The program provides up to 40 days of leave, and it can be utilized only once per applicant.
- Priority Consideration: Preference is given to those who have already graduated from teacher education programs.
- Certification Focus: Leave is exclusively for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification, not for non-teaching roles.
Application Windows:
- Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st
- Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (Application may be closed if cap is reached)
For comprehensive details, refer to the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview. Apply through the application portal.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program (GTRP): Funding Your Graduate Studies
The Graduate Reimbursement Program (GTRP) supports paraprofessionals pursuing graduate education to become certified teachers. When considering “what are career training programs” for graduate-level study, GTRP stands out by offering financial reimbursement for up to 12 graduate credits. This program is designed to alleviate the financial strain of advanced education, making it more accessible for paraprofessionals to achieve teacher certification.
Eligibility for GTRP:
- Matriculation in Graduate Program: Must be fully matriculated in a NYS-approved graduate education program leading to teacher certification.
- Credit Completion: Completed at least 12 credits towards the graduate program.
- Experience as Paraprofessional: Minimum of one full year of paid experience as a NYCPS paraprofessional.
- Payroll Status: Must be actively payrolled as full-time during application and throughout the application school year.
- Coursework Relevance: Reimbursable coursework must be part of a master’s degree in a classroom teaching discipline and lead to NYS certification.
- Grade Requirement: Coursework must have a passing grade of “B” or better.
Restrictions of GTRP:
- Reimbursement Rate: Reimbursements are capped at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- Program Focus: Programs leading to non-teaching roles (e.g., counseling, psychology) are ineligible.
- Initial Certification Focus: Reimbursement is only for courses required for initial certification.
- Financial Aid Coordination: Financial aid is prioritized, with NYCPS covering the remaining tuition up to the reimbursement limit.
Application Window:
- Annual Application: February 1st – March 31st
For detailed program information, consult the Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information document. Apply through the application portal.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program (CTRP): Covering Certification Costs
Understanding “what are career training programs” also includes recognizing support for crucial milestones like certification exams. The Certification Testing Reimbursement Program (CTRP) offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400 for state teacher certification application fees and examination costs. This program directly reduces the out-of-pocket expenses associated with becoming a certified teacher.
Eligibility for CTRP:
- NYS Certification Attainment: Must have obtained NYS teacher certification on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Receipts for Exams and Application: Must provide receipts for NYS certification exams and the NYS Teacher Application.
- Reimbursement Timeline: Reimbursement must be requested within one year of certification.
Required Documentation:
- Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Application
- NYS Teacher Application and NYS Examination receipts
- Proof of passing certification examinations
Application Window:
- Annual Application: March 1st – April 30th
For further details, see the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview and the Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA): Professional Growth and Compensation
The Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions offer a unique career development opportunity for experienced paraprofessionals. While not directly a “career training program” in the traditional sense, understanding “what are career training programs” broadly includes exploring roles that enhance skills and career progression. These annual positions allow paraprofessionals to take on more responsibilities in the classroom, supporting instruction under teacher supervision, and come with additional compensation of up to $5,000 annually.
Eligibility for LTA/BLTA:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Must hold a bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
- Teacher Assistant Certificate: Must possess an active NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III).
- Experience: Minimum of one year as a full-time, active paraprofessional at NYCDOE.
- Satisfactory Record: Demonstrate a satisfactory record of attendance and punctuality.
- Bilingual Fluency (for BLTA): Bilingual LTA applicants must demonstrate fluency in the required language.
Application Window:
- Annual Application: January 1st – March 31st
For more information, refer to the LTA/BLTA Position Posting. Apply through the application portal.
Conclusion: Your Pathway to a Teaching Career
Understanding “what are career training programs” for paraprofessionals reveals a wealth of opportunities within the NYC Public Schools. These programs are strategically designed to support every stage of your journey from earning a bachelor’s degree to covering certification costs and gaining advanced classroom experience. By taking advantage of initiatives like the CTP, PSTLOA, GTRP, CTRP, and LTA/BLTA positions, paraprofessionals can significantly advance their education careers and step into rewarding teaching roles.
The NYCPS is invested in the growth of its paraprofessionals and recognizes the immense value they bring to the classroom. If you are a paraprofessional aspiring to become a teacher, these career training programs are your stepping stones. Explore the programs that align with your current educational status and career goals, and take the initiative to apply. Your dedication and experience as a paraprofessional, combined with these robust support systems, pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career as a certified teacher within the NYC Public Schools.
For further inquiries or detailed assistance, please contact the relevant program emails or call (718) 935-2449. Your journey to becoming a teacher starts here.
