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  • 1

    Pathways to Certification

  • 2

    Steps to Alternative Certification

  • 3

    Get the Guide

  • 4

    Frequently Asked Questions

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Alternative vs. Traditional Teacher Certification

In New York, you can get certified to teach through either a traditional teaching program or an alternative certification program.

In a traditional teaching program, you’ll earn your teaching certificate before you teach your own classroom. You’ll take classes, then complete an unpaid student teaching experience or internship toward the end of your program. 

A traditional teaching program is a great option if you:
 

  • Want to teach a subject that is not a teacher shortage area.
  • Don’t have a bachelor’s degree. (Many colleges and universities let you earn your degree and teaching certificate at the same time!)
  • Want more mentorship and practice before you lead your own classroom.

Learn about traditional certification pathways.

Alternative certification lets you earn your initial teaching certificate while you teach in your own classroom. You’ll get on-the-job experience, take classes outside of school hours and implement what you’ve learned in your classroom right away. 

To qualify for alternative certification in New York, you must plan to teach a subject that is a shortage area in your district. This includes subjects like math, science, English, world languages and more! Learn more about New York certification subject areas.

Consider alternative certification if you:
 

  • Want to teach a shortage area subject. 
  • Have a bachelor’s degree, but haven’t started a teacher prep program.
  • Have career experience in the subject you plan to teach. 
  • Have previous experience in education. (1)

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Steps to Alternative Certification in New York

There are a few steps to getting started with alternative certification. Our (free!) Alternative Certification Guide has more details! Here’s the short version:
  1. 1

    Make sure you’re eligible.

    To qualify for alternative certification, you’ll need to:

    • Plan to teach a shortage area subject. 
    • Have at least 30 college credits in the subject you plan to teach. Most alternative certification programs require a GPA of at least 3.0.
    • Pass required tests. You’ll likely need to take the:
      • Graduate Record Examination.
      • Education All Students Test.
      • Content Specialty Test in your teaching subject. (2)
  2. 2

    Apply to teaching programs and enroll.

    You can apply to certificate-only teaching programs or programs that combine a teaching certificate and master’s degree. 

    Before you enroll, make sure to confirm your program works with alternative certification teacher candidates. You can find programs with the TEACH New York Program Explorer.

  3. 3

    Apply for teaching jobs in a New York school district.

    Your teaching program may be able to help you with this step! Your teaching job must be in the same grade level and subject area that you plan to teach once you’re fully certified.

    Where should you look for a job? Check out the OLAS Jobs website to get started.

  4. 4

    Apply for a Transitional Certificate.

    Once you’ve been accepted into a teaching program and secured a job, you’ll apply for your Transitional Certificate. This is the permit that allows you to teach while you complete your alternative certification program. 

    You’ll apply through the NY.gov TEACH account system (this is different from TeachNY!). You’ll also need to complete a background check. 

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Get the Free Guide

An open laptop. On the screen is the cover of the TeachNY Alternative Teacher Certification Guide.

The TeachNY Alternative Certification Guide has everything you need to know! Get details about eligibility requirements, steps to get started and application tools, all in one place. 

It’s all free.

Get the Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about alternative certification? We can help!

Alternative certification isn’t easier than a traditional certification program—it’s just different! You’ll still need to complete the same requirements and take the same tests you would take in a traditional teaching program.

For most people, alternative certification takes one to two years. That said, it really depends on your teaching program and your certification area. Check with your program to find out what to expect.

Your tuition costs, along with application fees, will vary depending on your teaching program.

You’ll also have some costs beyond tuition, such as the fee for your Transitional Certificate or the cost of a background check.

Yes! Most alternative certification candidates work under a Transitional B Certificate. This certificate is good for three years, but you may be able to extend it for an additional two years. 

Your transitional certificate will expire once you graduate or leave your teaching program. (2)

If you’re certified to teach or you’ve completed a teaching program in another U.S. state or territory, you won’t need a Transitional Certificate—but you’ll still have a few steps to complete.

Learn about New York’s out-of-state certification process at the New York State Education Department’s out-of-state applicants page.

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Not certified but want to teach?

If you have a degree, alternative certification lets you earn your teaching certificate and a salary at the same time. Get our step-by-step guide!

Get the Alternative Certification Guide
A future NY teacher sitting at a desk with a pen in hand. She is looking up at an illustration of the Alternative Certification guide.

New York teachers are more in demand than ever. And if you have a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to start your teaching career sooner than you think.

We’ll go over the steps to get started with alternative certification.

References

  1. Pathways to Certification: Which Pathway is Right for Me? Office of Teaching Initiatives: New York State Education Department. https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/rightpathway.html
  2. Alternative Teacher Preparation Program - Frequently Asked Questions. New York State Education Department. https://www.nysed.gov/college-university-evaluation/alternative-teacher-preparation-program-frequently-asked-questions.