New York Teacher Certification

Basic Steps for New York Teacher Certification:

1. 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.
2. 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)
3. Apply for a Certificate.

Information for Teachers Certified Elsewhere:

40 states have agreements with New York that allow teachers an easier certification process:

1. The teacher must apply for a Certificate to the SED Office of Teaching Initiatives
2. pass the LAST , the ATS-W, and the appropriate CST within two years of receiving their certificate.

If you are from one of the other ten states, then you must have a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 or greater GPA including specific courses for your certificate, pass the tests as described above, and apply for the 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.