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Certification changes
Since February 2022, the New York State Education Department has changed the requirements for a number of different state certifications. Read the following Q&A for the details.
What is the new Students with Disabilities (All Grades) state teaching certificate? How do you qualify to obtain this certification?
As of Sept. 28, 2022, the state Education Department created a new Students with Disabilities (All Grades) certificate that permits teachers to teach students with disabilities in pre-K through Grade 12 in New York State public schools. The Students...
What happens to my seniority if I switch licenses?
If you switch licenses, you maintain all the seniority you have accrued. However, for excessing and layoff purposes, probationers are grouped separately from those who have completed probation. When you switch licenses, until you complete probation...
Needs of Children With Autism Workshop
The New York State Education Department requires that all teachers who are seeking initial or professional state certification in special education take a three-hour workshop in the needs of children with autism.
CTLE requirements
Professionally certified teachers and Level III certified paraprofessionals are required to collect a total of 100 professional development hours, now called Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours, by a state-approved provider such as...
Earn CTLE hours with LearnUFT
As a state-approved provider of continuing teacher and leader education (CTLE) hours, the UFT's LearnUFT program offers low-cost professional learning opportunities specifically designed to meet our members’ needs.
Certification
Check our certification page for the latest updates on state certification, guidance and important deadlines you need to know.
Who is required to be fingerprinted?
All applicants for certificates, licensees, or permits must undergo a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check. State law requires the State Education Department to conduct these background checks for all school personnel, including...
May I use online courses to meet certification requirements?
You should be aware that the Office of Teaching Initiatives does not endorse, pre-approve, or accredit programs or coursework completed at institutions located outside the State of New York. Information regarding colleges and universities within New...
I hold Initial Certificates in more than one subject (i.e., Childhood Education, Grades 1-6 and English, Grades 7-12). Must I teach for three years in each subject area to meet the three-year experience requirement for a Professional certificate?
No. An individual who holds more than one classroom teaching certificate may meet the three-year experience requirement with any three years of classroom teaching experience. For instance, a teacher who holds the Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and...