Online Teaching Programs in New York
As a profession, teaching provides new challenges and rewards every day. Teachers in New York, on average, also make one of the highest teaching salaries in the country, with the average high school teacher earning more than $80,000 a year.
Teachers in New York, on average, also make one of the highest teaching salaries in the country, with the average high school teacher earning more than $80,000 a year.
Teaching in NY state can be rewarding and engaging, but becoming a New York teacher requires a major commitment of time and resources. Teachers must meet educational and experience requirements set by the state in order to earn a teaching certificate; each state sets its own teaching license requirements. In order to work at the K-12 level in New York, educators must hold a valid NY teaching certificate. The New York State Education Department manages the certification process, which requires students to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete a teacher-preparation program, receive passing test scores, and submit to fingerprinting. New York teaching programs help aspiring teachers meet state requirements.
Learners seeking degree opportunities with increased flexibility and accessibility can also begin to fulfil NY teaching certification requirements by earning an online teaching degree.
How Do I Become a Teacher in NY?
Because each state sets its own teacher certificate requirements, licenses do not automatically transfer across state lines. Like many other states, NY state teaching certification requirements include at least a four-year degree, teacher training, and sitting for several examinations. New York teaching programs help individuals meet these requirements. Graduates with a non-teaching bachelor’s degree can also obtain a transitional license while completing teacher-preparation requirements.
New York provides multiple certificate options for classroom teachers, depending on their educational background and teaching level. As a member of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which eases the process of transferring teaching licenses to other states, New York provides a simplified pathway to certification for out-of-state licensed teachers who have three or more years of experience. Alternatively, teachers considering moving out of New York should check their new state’s licensing requirements.
Educational Requirements
Elementary and secondary teachers in New York state must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete a teacher-preparation program. Approved teacher-preparation programs fulfil the requirements for a NY teaching license, which includes completing a student-teaching experience.
A bachelor’s in teaching typically requires undergraduates to complete about 120 credits of coursework, which takes approximately four years. Students complete general education coursework in addition to major-related requirements, such as classes covering a student’s specialization, teacher preparation, and best teaching practices. Earning a master’s in teaching allows current teachers to increase their salaries or pursue new career paths; most master’s programs require two years of additional study.
Teachers licensed in other states with at least three years of certified public school teaching experience can submit evaluation ratings to earn a New York license.
All licensed teachers in New York must also complete at least 40 days of student teaching. As part of this requirement, a student’s mentor must be certified in their specialization or a related area. Students enrolled in out-of-state teaching programs can check and see whether their student teaching experience meets the requirements of New York state.
New York does not offer full reciprocity with other states; however, the New York State Education Department does provide guidelines for applicants from out-of-state. Teachers licensed in other states with at least three years of certified public school teaching experience can submit evaluation ratings to earn a New York license, while graduates from out-of-state programs without experience can apply for initial teacher certification. New York also provides transitional certificates for qualified professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-teaching major while they work towards completing an approved teacher-preparation program.
Graduates who earn an associate degree can teach at the pre-K level, work at a daycare or child care center, or serve as a paraprofessional or teacher’s aide. An associate degree in teaching also prepares graduates to enter many bachelor’s in teaching programs.
Common Courses for Teaching Degrees in New York
Associate Degree in Teaching
| Foundations of Teaching | Introductory courses on teaching and the U.S. education system cover best teaching practices and the overall role of public education. |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | Early childhood education courses focus on teaching children eight years of age and younger. Topics include theories of child development and early learning experiences. |
| Visual Arts | The arts play an important role in education. Visual arts-related coursework covers methods of expressing creativity through art and the theories behind art in curricula. |
Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching
| Foundations of American Education | This class examines the history and organization of public education, including student evaluation, technology in the classroom, and interdisciplinary planning. |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction | Courses on curriculum and instruction analyze the goals and objectives of education, teaching and learning theories, and instruction in basic content areas. |
| Literacy and Comprehension | Teachers at all levels emphasize literacy and comprehension. This class covers theories and methods of literacy development, as well as instructional planning and assessment. |
Master’s Degree in Teaching
| Inclusive Teaching | Coursework on inclusive teaching discusses the best practices for teaching diverse groups of learners and creating a welcoming learning environment that treats human diversity as a resource. |
|---|---|
| Special Education | Graduate-level coursework in special education covers research literature, methodologies, and methods of implementing best practices for special education. |
| Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages | Coursework on ESOL focuses on the methods and materials used to teach English to non-native speakers, including content-based instruction and assessments. |
How to Get a Teaching Certificate in New York
The New York State Education Department issues teaching certificates to qualified applicants who want to teach at the K-12 level in a New York school. The state provides several pathways enabling individuals to become classroom teachers. Earning an initial license after completing a New York state-registered program, or a teacher-preparation program located outside of the state, is the most common option.
All licensed teachers in the state must hold a bachelor’s degree. After graduating from a teaching program registered with the state of New York, individuals can apply for an initial certificate. Applicants must pass several tests as part of the certification process; the state recently changed its testing process in 2014. Teachers complete their required tests through the New York State Teacher Examinations office. Exams include the Educating All Students (EAS) test; the edTPA, which is a performance-based assessment that attempts to measure skills and knowledge; and any required content specialty tests. Tests typically cost between $100 and $300. In addition to passing the required examinations, applicants must complete a fingerprint clearance and a workshop.
Out-of-state graduates with a teaching degree must meet the same requirements as New York graduates, with some additional requirements. For example, they must have earned a minimum 2.5 GPA at the undergraduate level and complete additional workshops that cover New York teacher-preparation program materials. The state also offers alternative teacher certificates for second-career professionals who have yet to complete a teacher-preparation program.
The application for NY state teaching certification costs $50 for graduates of a New York teacher-preparation program and $100 for out-of-state graduates. Substitute teachers also need a special certificate. After holding an initial certificate for five years, teachers can apply for a professional certificate. Teachers at the professional level must complete a certain number of professional development hours during each five-year registration period.
Choosing a Degree Program in New York
With so many teaching schools in NYC, students should be able to find a teaching program that matches their academic interests and career goals. Additionally, prospective students considering online programs have even more options. By evaluating factors such as cost, location, average time to graduation, student teaching requirements, and available teaching specializations, future teachers can narrow down their choices.
New York requires aspiring teachers to gain field experience to earn teaching certification
Cost and location typically play a large role in finding the right teaching program. New York residents may benefit from in-state tuition rates and certain scholarships for teaching programs at State University of New York (SUNY) or City University of New York (CUNY) schools. Online programs may also provide in-state tuition rates for nonresidents. Location can also play an important role in student-teaching placements and determine whether a program meets NY state teaching certification requirements. Because New York requires aspiring teachers to gain field experience to earn teaching certification, students should check and see whether a program’s requirements meet the minimum standards in New York. Certain specializations, such as special education, may require students to complete additional courses.
Current teachers pursuing a graduate degree for career advancement may benefit from the flexibility of an online program; distance learning often allows students to attend classes part-time while they continue to work.
Can You Earn a Teaching Degree Online in New York?
All teachers must complete a bachelor’s degree and a teacher-preparation program; many online teaching degrees fulfil these requirements. Although the process varies slightly depending on whether a teacher earned their online bachelor’s degree from an approved New York school or through an out-of-state program, graduates with an accredited degree should be able to obtain teaching certification. The New York Education Department provides information on online teaching programs that meet the state’s teacher-preparation requirements.
Students attending an out-of-state teacher-preparation program should ensure that their institution meets the teaching requirements in NY. Educators with an out-of-state degree may be required to complete additional training to meet New York’s specific requirements. While online teaching programs typically allow learners to complete their student-teaching experience locally, individuals should double check that a program’s requirements meet state guidelines. Additionally, all institution’s must hold regional accreditation, and a program must lead to certification in its home state. An unaccredited institution or an out-of-state satellite campus may not meet state requirements.
Directory of Teaching Schools in New York
Paying for Your Teaching Degree in New York
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in teaching can easily cost thousands of dollars. However, students pursuing a teaching degree have access to several financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition. New York provides a number of scholarships specifically for teaching students, and teachers can also apply to loan forgiveness programs. However, many scholarships and loan forgiveness programs carry teaching-related requirements. For example, students may need to commit to teaching for a certain number of years at a low-income school or in a high-need field.
All prospective teaching students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines a student’s eligibility for financial aid. The FAFSA office provides loans, grants, and work-study opportunities for eligible students. The federal government also offers loan forgiveness and cancellation programs for teachers.
Individual schools and teaching programs provide additional scholarships and/or financial incentives for students. In many cases, colleges or universities automatically consider students for aid, while others may require learners to complete a separate application. Current teachers or working professionals planning a career change can take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs through their work; these may also help cover the cost of earning a degree.
Loan Forgiveness for New York Teachers
A loan forgiveness program repays or discharges student loans based on a graduate’s professional contributions. Teachers often qualify for loan forgiveness programs if they work at a low-income school or in a high-need educational area. To find federal loan forgiveness programs, teachers can look up qualifying schools in the Teacher Cancellation Low Income Directory.
At the federal level, teachers can participate in the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, offered through the Federal Student Aid Office. The program provides up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness for direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, as well as subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans. Teachers may qualify if they teach for five consecutive years in a low-income school or a qualifying educational agency.
Teachers with Perkins loans can also participate in the Perkins Loan Teacher Cancellation program, which discharges up to 100% of federal Perkins loans for teachers who work in low-income schools, special education teachers, and teachers working in a field with a shortage of qualified educators. While meeting these teaching obligations, eligible Perkins loan recipients may also qualify for loan deferment.
Teach NYC also provides a loan forgiveness program for newly hired New York City public school teachers in high-need disciplines, such as bilingual special education or educators working with pupils who have speech, language, or visual disabilities.
Scholarships for New York Teaching Students
New York students pursuing a career in teaching benefit from several scholarship programs. Some of these awards target future teachers in high-need fields, including math, science, and bilingual education. The state also provides full-tuition scholarships for teachers working on a master’s degree. Some scholarships require that recipients teach for a minimum number of years in New York.
Teach NYC Scholarship Full Tuition
Math and Science Teacher Incentive Program $6,470
TEACH Grant $4,000
Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship Program Full Tuition
Mayor’s Graduate Scholarship Program Full Tuition
Bilingual Pupil Services Full Tuition
Job Outlook and Salary for Teachers in New York
| Location | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 691,770 | $65,870 |
| United States | 8,636,430 | $54,520 |
New York state employs nearly 700,000 teachers who work with children from the preschool level to 12th grade. On average, teachers in New York earn $65,870 per year, which is well above the average teacher’s salary in the U.S. Teacher salaries in the state depend on several factors, including the position, education level, and location.
As shown in the table below, preschool teachers in New York earn the lowest average salary, receiving just under $42,000 annually. However, preschool teachers do not need a teaching license or a bachelor’s degree. Kindergarten teachers earn an average income of $72,510, while elementary and middle school teachers make around $78,000. Secondary school teachers earn the highest average wages at $81,410 annually.
Teachers in New York earn higher salaries if they hold a graduate degree. Many districts increase wages for teachers who complete graduate teaching credits. Salaries vary by district, and teachers in metropolitan areas often earn higher wages than teachers working in rural districts.
| Source: BLS | |
| Preschool Teachers | $41,900 |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | $72,510 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $77,330 |
| Middle School Teachers | $78,060 |
| Secondary School Teachers | $81,410 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching in New York
How do I get certified to teach in New York??
What is the average salary for a teacher in New York?
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate in New York?
Do you need to be certified to be a substitute teacher in NY?
Resources for Teachers in New York
- New York State Education Department In addition to managing the teacher certification and licensing process, the New York State Education Department provides information about education areas, state standards and curricula, and statewide assessment tests. Its mission is to raise the knowledge, skill, and opportunity of everyone in New York.
- EngageNY EngageNY provides a wealth of resources, including curriculum material for pre-K-12 teachers in the areas of mathematics and language arts. The organization also hosts a professional development library to help teachers advance throughout their careers. All users can access these resources for free.
- NYS Teacher Centers New York State Resource and Computer Training Centers provide resources and training for teachers through 125 centers located throughout the state. These centers provide professional learning opportunities and link teachers with state and national associations. Each center operates locally but receives regional and statewide support.
- New York State ASCD The New York State Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development advocates for teachers and provides research-based programs and resources for members, including access to newsletters, regional workshops and institutes, and a large professional network.
- NYSUT Affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, New York State United Teachers is a teachers’ union with more than 600,000 members. NYSUT advocates for teachers, their working conditions, and quality education.
