TEACH New York LogoNew York

For School Staff

Use your school experience to start a rewarding career at the head of the class.

An NY school paraprofessional stands against a green background. They have short hair and are wearing a sweater over a button-up shirt

Paraprofessionals, substitute teachers and other school support staff have unique options to earn a teaching certificate. 
 

New York teaching programs want committed candidates with unique experiences that prepare them for success. Your district may have scholarships and other programs that can help you into the profession you already love.

  • 1

    Steps to certification

  • 2

    Options for school staff

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    Get free career coaching

  • $91,000

    Statewide average teacher salary

  • 101

    Teaching programs

  • 731

    School districts

How to become a teacher in NY

Not sure how to get certified? Here’s the very quick version: 

  1. Earn your bachelor’s degree.
    Many programs let you earn your degree and lead to a teaching certificate at the same time! 
  2. Complete a teaching program.
    Decide the grades and subjects you want to teach, and explore teaching programs that offer the teaching certificate title you want. Then, start applying! Explore teaching programs.
  3. Pass certification tests.
    You’ll need to take a few tests to show you know your stuff well enough to teach. If testing stresses you out, don’t worry! All you need to do is pass, and there are tons of resources to help you out. 

There are a few more steps involved, but we’ve got you covered! Get our Certification Guide for all the details.

Learn About Certification

How can school staff get certified?

You can stay in your job and get certified without breaking the bank. We can help you find a path to certification that works with your job and lifestyle. Here are a few strategies to consider.

Talk to a TeachNY coach

A New York school staff member talks to a TeachNY coach to learn more about the career

Becoming a teacher is a big decision! You don’t have to do it alone. Sign up for a TeachNY group info session or 1-on-1 coaching now! Learn about the process of becoming a teacher and ask any questions you may have.  

It’s all free!

Sign Up

What’s next

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References

  1. Educator Pay Data. National Education Association. https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank
  2. New York State Education Department Data Site. https://data.nysed.gov/index.php