The DOE provides eligible paraprofessionals with a 40-day paid leave of absence to complete student teaching requirements if paraprofessionals are enrolled in a program to earn credentials to become full-time teachers as there are instances when colleges and universities will not accept work as a paraprofessional in place of student teaching.
The number of student teaching leaves granted by the DOE per year will not exceed 100 (50 leaves for the fall and 50 leaves for the spring). These particular leaves of absence are by application only. Applicants must receive approval before they can begin their leave of absence.
For more information about the paraprofessional student teacher leave of absence program, or pathways to teaching programs for paraprofessionals, visit: Teach NYC Programs.