Basic Steps for New York Teacher Certification:
- Complete a traditional teacher preparation program, at a New York State college or university or in a state with a reciprocity agreement with the state of New York.
- Pass the New York State Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills- Written (ATS-W), and the appropriate Content Specialty Test(s)(CST)
- Apply for a Certificate.
Information for Teachers Certified Elsewhere: 40 states have agreements with New York that allow teachers an easier certification process:
- The teacher must apply for a Certificate to the SED Office of Teaching Initiatives
- pass the LAST , the ATS-W, and the appropriate CST within two years of receiving their certificate.
Special Programs for New York Teacher Certification and Education:
- The Teacher Opportunity Corps provides grants to colleges to promote teaching careers for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged individuals.
- Troops to Teachers provides money to honorably discharged military personnel who wish to pursue a career in teaching.
Teaching Position Outlook for New York:
New York ranks the 4th highest in the nation in terms of average teacher pay.
New York is facing a huge teacher shortage which has led to the Teachers of Tomorrow program. This provides a variety of incentives to recruit and retain teachers, especially in school districts with teacher or subject area shortages.
Additional Information for New York Teacher Certification:
Want more information? Visit the New York Teacher Certification page at the New York State Education Department.
