Becoming a teacher in New York state is a rewarding and satisfying career. Here is what you need to know about becoming and sustaining certification to teach in New York.
Step 1 - What certification do you need to teach in New York state?
The first thing you need to know is the type of certification you need. In New York, you will need an education certificate to teach in a public school. There are two types of certificates:
Initial Certification - This is the entry-level teaching certificate for anyone who has completed a New York State teacher preparation program, or equivalent coursework and experience. The Initial Certificate is valid for five years.
Professional Certification - This is an advanced certificate for teachers who have a master’s degree and three years of teaching experience, and complete 175 hours of professional development every five years.
Step 2 - Finding your teaching pathway
Your teaching pathway should be based on the following considerations:
Subject area
This represents general categories of certificate titles such as math, biology, or students with disabilities. Note: all math titles would be in the math subject area; all biology titles would be in the biology subject area; and all students with disabilities titles would be in the students with disabilities subject area, etc.
Grade level
New York State issues certificates for work in specific grade levels. These include early childhood (birth to grade two), childhood (grades 1-6), middle childhood (grades 5-9), adolescent (grades 7-12), and all grades (pre-kindergarten to grade 12).
Title
The certificate title denotes the subject and grade level that you are authorized to teach. Examples include Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2), Biology (Grade 7-12), and School District Administrator (K-12).
Type
The type of certificate issued to you depends upon your educational background and experience. Examples include Initial certificate, Professional certificate, and Teaching Assistant.
Step 3: Choose your pathway to certification
There are a variety of ways to meet the requirements to become a New York State certified teacher. Most fit into the following categories:
High School Graduates - High school graduates who wish to pursue a career in teaching should complete a traditional teacher preparation program at a college or university in New York State.
College Graduates with a Degree in Education - Candidates who already possess an initial New York State classroom teaching certificate and are interested in becoming professional certified.
College Graduates with a Degree not in Education - Candidates who have a degree in another discipline and are interested in becoming certified in education.
NYS Certified Teachers Seeking Additional Certificate - Certified teachers who wish to earn additional certification in a different subject area or grade level.
College Professors with a Master’s or Higher Degree and Two Years of Teaching Experience at the College Level.
Step 4: Fulfill the requirements for your certificate
Once you have chosen your pathway to certification, you will need to fulfill the requirements for your certificate. This may include completing a teacher preparation program, passing the appropriate New York State Certification Exams, and satisfying the content core requirements.
Step 5: Renew your certification
After your initial certification, you must renew your New York State Teachers Certification or attain the next level New York State Professional Certification within a specified timeframe. This requires completing continuing education courses and professional development hours.
Step 6: Consider SUNY Oswego's education programs
SUNY Oswego is known for offering one of the most comprehensive teacher education programs in the Northeast. Its programs in Childhood Education, Adolescence Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and Technology Education lead to initial certification. Its graduate programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Literacy Education, Special Education, and Art Education lead to professional certification. The college consistently produces graduates who earn high scores on the New York State Education Department's rigorous teacher certification exams.
If you're interested in pursuing a career as a certified classroom teacher in New York, SUNY Oswego's Education Counselors can help guide you through the process. Contact them today to learn more about how SUNY Oswego can help you achieve your career goals.
Becoming a certified classroom teacher in New York is a multi-step process that requires careful consideration and planning. The first step is to understand the different types of certificates available and which one is right for your teaching pathway. Once you have identified your pathway, it is important to choose a program that will prepare you for the certification requirements and help you pass the necessary exams. Additionally, staying up to date with professional development and renewing your certification on time is critical to maintaining your credentials and ensuring your continued success as a teacher. By following these steps and seeking guidance from education counselors, you can embark on a fulfilling and rewarding career as a certified classroom teacher in New York. Learn more about the SUNY Oswego's educational programs today.