For School Staff

You don’t need to quit your job to earn a teaching certificate. Here are a few ways you can keep working while you get certified: 
 

• If you need to earn an undergraduate degree, some degree programs offer part-time options that let you keep working. You may choose to earn your degree first, then enroll in a teaching program for school employees or one with a paid internship.
• If you already have a degree, consider alternative certification or an online graduate teaching program. These options can let you keep working while you get your certificate!

Professional development may be baked right into your current job benefits! Some school districts also offer tuition reimbursement to help school staff get certified. 

Options to consider:
 

• Ask your supervisor about professional development time, especially if you’re a paraprofessional or you’re getting certified in a shortage area subject, such as special education or world languages. 
• Some school districts offer tuition reimbursement to help employees advance their careers. Your teaching program may count! Check your employment contract or ask your supervisor to learn more.
• Your teaching program may count for loan forgiveness or professional development. Check your employment contract, speak to an HR representative or ask your supervisor!

You’ll have more job opportunities and more ways to fund your education if you teach a shortage area subject.

Options to consider:
 

• If you already work in a special education setting, you’re a great candidate for a Students with Disabilities teaching certificate title. 
• If you’re fluent in a language other than English:
  • Consider a world language teaching certificate. 
  • Once you have your initial teaching certificate, consider a bilingual education add-on certificate title. 
• If you get certified in a designated shortage area, you’ll qualify for loan forgiveness options, such as the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program or the Teach NYC Loan Forgiveness Program. You could get some or all of your student loans forgiven—meaning you won’t have to pay them back!