With a high school diploma or some college credits, you can start as a teacher assistant apprentice and, if desired, progress into a teacher preparation program. 

In this role, you’ll complete at least nine college credits (typically through a local community college) over the course of a two-year program. During this time you’ll work in a paid position. You’ll finish your apprenticeship program with: 

• A bachelor’s degree
• Initial New York State teaching certification

Ready to start your teaching career as an undergraduate? Long Island University offers a unique undergraduate residency pathway that combines hands-on experience with academic coursework, allowing you to grow as a teacher while earning your degree.

NYC College of Technology also offers undergraduate programs with initial New York state teacher certification in technology (kindergarten- grade 12) and math (grades 7-12).  

Already have a bachelor’s degree? You can begin a graduate-level residency program to start your path to becoming a teacher!

First, you’ll need to get accepted to a teaching program with a registered apprentice option. Other steps in the process include: 

• Complete your application for your apprenticeship program. 
• Interview with potential lead teachers, district admin, and your program to make sure it’s a good fit. 
• Sign your employment agreement to complete your degree, on-the-job learning, and get your New York State initial teaching certificate. 
• Start in the classroom!  

It depends on your degree pathway, but you can expect to complete your apprenticeship program in one to two academic years.

Participating school districts and regional education offices choose which certification areas to include. The goal is to train credentialed teachers for future job needs. So, certification areas vary by program. Check to see what certifications your local programs offer.

The college or university that partners with your apprenticeship program will provide your degree coursework. You will be accepted into your college or university's teaching program before you begin your apprenticeship.

Yes! When you complete your apprenticeship program, you will have earned: 

• Your bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Your initial New York State teaching certificate

• Earn a paycheck while you learn
• Apply your coursework in real-time with real students
• Gain valuable, hands-on experience with guidance from an experienced teacher
• Develop relationships with students and the school community
• Build confidence and skills for success
• Smoothly transition to your own classroom

New York has three apprenticeship titles, each with different requirements: 

• Teacher Assistant: Must be 16 or older, enrolled in a Career & Technical Education program, or have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Teacher: Must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and seek initial teacher certification. If in a public school, must be enrolled in a NYSED-approved teacher preparation program with a registered residency program. 
• School Administrator: Must have a valid New York State teaching or PSP certification, at least three years of teaching experience, and be accepted into a school administrator program.