The New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) is dedicated to fostering the professional growth of its paraprofessionals. Understanding the vital role paraprofessionals play in the educational ecosystem, NYCPS offers comprehensive programs designed to help these dedicated individuals advance their careers and become certified teachers. While not literally a “2 Week Career Training Program,” NYCPS provides accelerated pathways and robust support systems that can significantly shorten the journey to becoming a lead teacher. These initiatives, including tuition assistance, student teaching opportunities, and financial reimbursements, act as intensive career training, empowering paraprofessionals to efficiently reach their career goals within the education sector.
Comprehensive Career Advancement Programs for NYCPS Paraprofessionals
NYCPS recognizes that paraprofessionals are experienced and valuable members of the school community. To leverage this experience and support their upward mobility, several key programs are available. These programs are structured to provide financial aid, practical experience, and reduce common barriers to career advancement in education.
Career Training Program (CTP): Tuition Support for Bachelor’s Degrees
The Career Training Program (CTP) is a cornerstone of NYCPS’s commitment to its paraprofessionals. This program provides eligible paraprofessionals with tuition assistance to pursue their first bachelor’s degree. By covering tuition costs for 3 to 6 credits per semester at participating colleges and universities, CTP makes higher education more accessible and affordable.
Key Features of the CTP:
- Tuition Coverage: Pays for 3-6 undergraduate credits per semester.
- Release Time: Participants taking 5 or more credits receive 2.5 hours of release time per week for study.
- Summer Stipend: Opportunity to apply for a stipend to support summer study.
- Credit Limit: Covers up to 120 credits towards a bachelor’s degree.
Eligibility Requirements for CTP:
- Must be a full-time paraprofessional in a NYC public school without a bachelor’s degree.
- Must be actively employed as a full-time paraprofessional during application and program participation.
- Must show matriculation into a degree program after completing 45 credits.
- Must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible.
Financial Aid & Responsibilities:
CTP works in conjunction with federal and state financial aid programs. NYCPS will cover the remaining tuition costs after Pell Grants or TAP grants are applied. However, paraprofessionals are responsible for fees such as activity, application, or technology fees, as well as course materials.
Application Windows:
- Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st
Important Note: Applications must be submitted for each semester. Unused vouchers cannot be rolled over.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program: Gain Practical Teaching Experience
For paraprofessionals further along in their educational journey, the Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program offers invaluable practical experience. This program provides up to 40 days of paid leave to complete mandatory student teaching requirements, a crucial step towards teacher certification.
Program Highlights:
- Paid Leave: Up to 40 days of paid leave for student teaching.
- Limited Availability: 50 leaves available each for the fall and spring semesters.
- Priority Consideration: Given to those nearing completion of teacher education programs.
Eligibility for PSTLOA Program:
- Must be a full-time paraprofessional with at least one full year of service.
- Must be enrolled in a NYSED-approved teacher certification program.
- Must maintain a 2.5 GPA in their program of study.
- Categories include those needing student teaching for initial certification or those lacking student teaching for certification recommendation despite having an education degree.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st
- Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (Note: Application cap may be reached)
Restrictions:
- Applications must be submitted well in advance (4 weeks prior to leave).
- Limited to one-time participation.
- Leave is specifically for student teaching towards initial teacher certification.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program: Financial Support for Graduate Studies
The Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program is designed to ease the financial burden of graduate education. NYCPS will reimburse eligible paraprofessionals for up to 12 graduate credits towards a teacher certification-leading program.
Key Program Details:
- Credit Reimbursement: Up to 12 graduate credits reimbursed at CUNY graduate rates.
- Certification Requirement: NYS certification must be achieved after September 1st of the application year.
- Coursework Grade: Courses must be passed with a “B” or better to qualify for reimbursement.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be matriculated in a NYS-approved graduate education program leading to teacher certification.
- Must have completed 12 credits towards the graduate program.
- Must have at least one year of paid experience as a NYCPS paraprofessional.
- Graduate program must be in a classroom teaching discipline.
Application Window:
- Annually: February 1st – March 31st
Important Restrictions:
- Reimbursement is capped at 12 credits and the CUNY graduate rate.
- Programs for non-teaching roles (counselors, psychologists, etc.) are not eligible.
- Reimbursement is only for courses required for initial certification, not pre-requisites.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program: Covering Certification Costs
Recognizing the expenses associated with teacher certification, NYCPS offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400 for state teacher certificate application and NYS certification exams.
Program Highlights:
- Reimbursement Amount: Up to $400 one-time reimbursement.
- Eligible Expenses: Covers NYS teacher application and certification exam fees.
- Timeframe: Reimbursement must be requested within one year of certification.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have attained NYS teacher certification on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Must provide receipts for NYS Examinations and the NYS Teacher Application.
Application Availability:
- Annually: March 1st – April 30th
Required Documentation:
- Program Application
- NYS Teacher Application and NYS Examination receipts
- Proof of passing certification exams
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA): Enhanced Classroom Roles and Compensation
For paraprofessionals with a bachelor’s degree and a Teacher Assistant Certificate, the Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions offer an opportunity to take on more responsibility in the classroom with increased compensation. This role serves as an excellent stepping stone for those aspiring to become lead teachers.
Position Advantages:
- Enhanced Role: More diverse classroom support under teacher supervision.
- Increased Compensation: Up to $5,000 additional annual compensation.
- Skill Enhancement: Opportunity to develop advanced teaching skills.
Eligibility for LTA/BLTA Positions:
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree.
- Must hold a NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III).
- Must have one year of full-time paraprofessional experience at NYCDOE.
Application Period:
- Annually: January 1st – March 31st
Take the Next Step in Your Education Career
NYCPS provides a robust framework for paraprofessionals to advance their careers in education. While a literal “2 week career training program” might not capture the depth and breadth of these offerings, the combination of tuition support, practical experience, and financial reimbursements acts as a powerful catalyst for career progression. These programs represent an accelerated pathway, enabling dedicated paraprofessionals to efficiently achieve their goals of becoming certified teachers and leaders in the NYC public school system.
For further details on any of these programs, please refer to the linked documents and contact the relevant email addresses or phone numbers provided in each section. Your dedication to education is valued, and NYCPS is committed to supporting your professional journey.
