BOCES of New York State > Teach > Career Changers

Career Changers

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Elementary School Classroom: Enthusiastic Teacher Holding Tablet Computer Explains Lesson to Brilliant Young Children. Kids Learning Programming Languages, Internet Safety and Software Design

Make a difference in your students' lives!

Has a teacher ever inspired you? Teachers note that this is the most rewarding part of teaching.

Has a teacher ever inspired you? Teachers note that this is the most rewarding part of teaching.

Has a teacher ever inspired you? Teachers note that this is the most rewarding part of teaching.

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Teacher and students using flower shapes In Montessori school

Be a changemaker!

A career in education is a powerful way to help make your community a better place.

A career in education is a powerful way to help make your community a better place.

A career in education is a powerful way to help make your community a better place.

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Middle aged black female teacher smiling in school corridor

Join a supportive and balanced work environment!

Teachers have access to great health and retirement benefits and a schedule that allows time off to be with family and friends. There is always room to learn, grow and advance in your career.

Teachers have access to great health and retirement benefits and a schedule that allows time off to be with family and friends. There is always room to learn, grow and advance in your career.

Teachers have access to great health and retirement benefits and a schedule that allows time off to be with family and friends. There is always room to learn, grow and advance in your career.

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Pathway Options for Career Changers

There are multiple pathway options to become a teacher in New York State. View some of the options below. For a comprehensive list, visit the Pathways to Certification page on the NYSED site.

Alternative Teacher Certification Program

New York State offers an alternative preparation model aimed at mature, second career professionals. Alternative programs are offered by colleges with local school partners. They feature an accelerated introductory component, followed by paid employment, with extensive mentoring, coursework and other supports from the college and school district.

National Board Certification

An applicant who possesses a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certificate may obtain an Initial Certificate New York State certificate in a comparable title through the National Board Pathway. If eligible, the applicant will only be held to Workshops and Fingerprint Clearance.

Comparable Educator Program

Complete a comparable approved teacher preparation program, in the subject of the application, at a college in another U.S. State or Territory that would lead to an institutional recommendation for certification in the state the college is located.

If you fit this profile, you may obtain Certification if you satisfy the requirements for applicants from other states. Visit the NYSED webpage for Applicants from Other States.

IHE Professor Experience

Candidates who fit this profile are college professors who have a Master’s or higher degree in the content area and wish to teach in a New York public school.

If you fit this profile, you may obtain Certification by:

  • Possessing a Master’s or higher degree in the content area of your application.
  • Two years of satisfactory teaching experience at the college level.
  • Passing the appropriate NYS Teacher Certification exam(s)

Transitional B (Subject Matter Expertise)

Most candidates who fit this profile have subject matter expertise (baccalaureate degree with an academic major such as mathematics or chemistry for example). They enroll in one of the Alternative Teacher Certification (ATC) Programs offered by college-school partnerships in various locations throughout the State, in order to complete teacher education study. Upon completion of the alternative program, they are recommended for Certification by the college or university.
If you fit this profile, you may qualify for enrollment in an ATC program by:

  • Possessing a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA), with a major in the subject, or 18 semester hours in the subject you plan to teach with 12 semester hours in a related subject
  • Passing the appropriate New York State Exams
  • Applying to a college or university with a registered ATC program

Resources

Want more information?

Sign up for a FREE Teach.org account for more information.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) provides a search feature for certification requirements.

Click here to search using area of interest, subject area, grade level, or certificate.