Are you a dedicated paraprofessional within the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) looking to advance your career in education? The NYCPS offers a robust suite of Career Training Programs designed to support your professional growth and help you achieve your dream of becoming a certified teacher. From tuition assistance to leave of absence programs and reimbursement opportunities, these initiatives are tailored to empower paraprofessionals like you to take the next step in your educational journey.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various programs available, providing key details on eligibility, application processes, and most importantly, how to get in touch with the right people to answer your questions. Whether you’re interested in earning your bachelor’s degree, completing your student teaching requirements, or seeking reimbursement for graduate coursework and certification exams, understanding your options and knowing who to contact is crucial. Let’s explore the opportunities waiting for you and ensure you have the Career Training Program Contact Number you need to get started.
Career Training Program (CTP): Tuition Support for Your Bachelor’s Degree
The Career Training Program (CTP) is a cornerstone of NYCPS’s commitment to its paraprofessionals. This program provides eligible paraprofessionals with a fantastic opportunity: the chance to earn their first bachelor’s degree with tuition assistance. Imagine furthering your education and expanding your career prospects with the financial support you deserve.
What CTP Offers:
- Tuition Coverage: CTP covers tuition costs for 3 to 6 credits per semester for undergraduate study at participating colleges and universities.
- Release Time for Study: If you’re enrolled in five or more credit hours, you’re eligible for 2.5 hours of release time per week to dedicate to your studies. This valuable time allows you to balance work and academics effectively.
- Summer Stipend: Additional financial support may be available through a Summer Stipend to help you focus on your studies during the summer months.
Eligibility at a Glance:
- Full-time Paraprofessional: You must be a full-time paraprofessional in a NYC public school without a bachelor’s degree.
- Payroll Status: Maintain full-time paraprofessional payroll status throughout the application school year.
- Matriculation: Proof of matriculation into a degree program is required after completing 45 credits.
- Credit Limit: CTP covers up to 120 credits towards your first bachelor’s degree, including transfer credits.
- GPA Requirement: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 (“C” average) to remain eligible.
Important Financial Notes:
- Financial Aid Coordination: CTP works with federal and state financial aid programs like Pell Grant and TAP. NYCPS will cover the remaining tuition balance after these grants are applied.
- Fees Not Covered: Be aware that NYCPS does not cover fees such as activity, application, or technology fees. These are the responsibility of the paraprofessional.
- Course Grade Policy: NYCPS will not pay for courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st
Remember: You must apply for CTP each semester you wish to participate.
To delve deeper into the CTP program, review the CTP Fact Sheet and CTP FAQ Document. For information on release time, consult the CTP UFT Paraprofessional Release Time Memo or the CTP DC-37 Paraprofessional Release Time Memo. Explore Approved Colleges and Universities to find participating institutions.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program: Gain Practical Classroom Experience
Recognizing that student teaching is a crucial step towards teacher certification, the NYCPS offers the Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program. This program provides eligible paraprofessionals with up to 40 days of paid leave to fulfill their student teaching requirements.
Key Features of PSTLOA:
- Paid Leave: Receive up to 40 days of paid leave to dedicate to your student teaching placement.
- Limited Availability: Leaves are granted on a competitive basis, with a cap of 100 leaves per year (50 in the fall and 50 in the spring).
- Priority Consideration: Priority is given to paraprofessionals closer to completing their teacher education programs.
Who is Eligible?
- Experienced Paraprofessional: Must be a full-time employee with at least one full school year of service as a paraprofessional.
- GPA Requirement: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in your program of study.
- NYSED Approved Program: Be enrolled in a NYSED-approved teacher certification program. Online and out-of-state programs must meet NYSED approval to be eligible.
Eligibility Categories:
- Category A: Paraprofessionals with an education degree needing student teaching for certification.
- Category B: Paraprofessionals in a Master’s program for initial certification requiring student teaching.
- Category C: Paraprofessionals in an undergraduate program for initial certification needing student teaching.
Application Windows:
- Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st
- Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (Note: Application may be closed if cap is reached)
For complete details, review the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program: Reduce the Financial Burden of Graduate Studies
The Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program offers financial relief to paraprofessionals pursuing graduate degrees in education. NYCPS will reimburse up to 12 credits of graduate coursework for eligible paraprofessionals working towards teacher certification.
Program Highlights:
- Graduate Credit Reimbursement: Receive reimbursement for up to 12 graduate credits at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- NYS Certification Requirement: New York State certification must be achieved after September 1st of the application year.
- Program Focus: Reimbursement is for coursework within a Master’s degree program in education leading to initial teacher certification.
Who Can Apply?
- Matriculated Graduate Student: Must be fully admitted into a NYS-approved graduate education program.
- Credit Completion: Have completed at least 12 credits towards your graduate program.
- Experience as a Paraprofessional: Possess at least one full year of paid experience as an NYCPS paraprofessional.
Application Period:
- Annually: February 1st – March 31st
Learn more by reading the Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information document.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program: Offset the Costs of Certification Exams
Taking and passing certification exams is a necessary step in becoming a teacher. The NYCPS Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program helps ease the financial burden by offering a one-time reimbursement of up to $400.00 for state teacher certificate application and NYS certification examinations.
Key Details:
- One-Time Reimbursement: Receive up to $400.00 to cover certification-related expenses.
- Certification Timeline: NYS teacher certification must be attained on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Receipts Required: You’ll need to provide receipts for NYS Examinations and the NYS Teacher Application.
- Reimbursement Window: Requests must be made within one year of certification.
Application Availability:
- Annually: March 1st – April 30th
For complete details, review the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview and the Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA): Elevate Your Role in the Classroom
For experienced and degreed paraprofessionals, the Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions offer an opportunity to take on more responsibility and enhance your classroom impact. These annual positions provide additional compensation and serve as a pathway towards a teaching career.
LTA/BLTA Position Highlights:
- Enhanced Classroom Role: Support classroom instruction under teacher supervision.
- Skill Development: Enhance your skills and gain valuable experience.
- Additional Compensation: Eligible paraprofessionals receive up to $5,000 in additional pay.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Must hold a bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
- Teacher Assistant Certificate: Possess an active NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III).
- Experience: Have at least one year of full-time service as an NYCPS paraprofessional.
Application Period:
- Annually: January 1st – March 31st
To learn more, read the LTA/BLTA Position Posting.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Contact Us!
Navigating these programs and understanding the specific requirements can feel overwhelming, but the NYCPS is here to support you. For any questions or to request further information about any of these incredible Career Training Programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Your Career Training Program Contact Number and Email:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (718) 935-2449
Whether you’re inquiring about eligibility for the CTP, PSTLOA, Graduate Reimbursement, Certification Reimbursement, or the LTA/BLTA positions, the dedicated team at these contact points is ready to assist you. Don’t delay your professional growth – reach out today and unlock your full potential within the NYC Public Schools!
