Are you a dedicated paraprofessional in the New York City Public School system looking to advance your career in education? The Nyc Career Training Program (CTP) offers an incredible opportunity to earn your first bachelor’s degree while receiving tuition assistance and release time to support your studies. This program is specifically designed for eligible UFT paraprofessionals who are committed to becoming certified teachers and making a greater impact in NYC schools.
The Career Training Program provides financial support for paraprofessionals to take undergraduate courses at participating colleges and universities. Eligible participants can receive tuition coverage for 3 to 6 credits per semester. Furthermore, those enrolled in five or more credit hours are granted 2.5 hours of release time per week, allowing dedicated study hours during their work week. A Summer Stipend is also available for application to further assist with study-related expenses during the summer months. It is the paraprofessional’s responsibility to research, apply to, and enroll in a participating accredited institution.
| ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA |
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| To be considered for the NYC Career Training Program, candidates must meet the following requirements: |
| – Be employed as a full-time paraprofessional within a NYC public school and not yet possess a bachelor’s degree. |
| – Be officially payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at the time of application and maintain this full-time status throughout the application school year. |
| – Provide mandatory proof of matriculation into a bachelor’s degree program after accumulating 45 credits. |
| – Please note that Substitute Paraprofessionals are not eligible for participation in the CTP Program. |
| – The Career Training Program provides funding for a maximum of 120 credits towards the completion of the first bachelor’s degree. Exceptions to this credit limit may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. |
| – The 120-credit limit encompasses all credits, including transfer credits and credits earned prior to program enrollment. For instance, those starting with zero credits can receive funding for up to 120 credits, while those entering with existing credits will have the program cover the remaining balance up to 120 credits. |
| – Applicants must hold a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 to qualify for the program. |
| – Participants must consistently maintain a minimum “C” GPA (2.0) to remain eligible for the CTP Voucher. |
| – Paraprofessionals whose GPA falls below 2.0 will lose eligibility for the CTP Voucher. |
| – NYC Public Schools will not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. |
| – Paraprofessionals who become ineligible for the Career Training Program are responsible for all subsequent course costs, tuition, and associated fees. |
| FINANCIAL AID DETAILS |
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| Financial aid options, such as the Federal Pell Grant and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant, can be utilized to cover tuition expenses. The participating college or university will directly bill NYC Public Schools for any remaining tuition balance after these grants are applied. It’s important to note that NYCPS does not cover course materials or any fees beyond tuition, including but not limited to activity fees, application fees, or technology fees. These additional costs are the responsibility of the paraprofessional. |
| APPLICATION DEADLINES |
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| – Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th |
| – Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st |
| – Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st |
| Important Note: A separate application is required for each semester (fall, spring, and summer). Unused vouchers cannot be carried over to previous or future semesters. |
| QUICK LINKS & RESOURCES | ACCESS DOCUMENTS |
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| CTP Fact Sheet | Click Here |
| CTP FAQ Document | Click Here |
| CTP UFT Paraprofessional Release Time Memo | Click Here |
| CTP DC-37 Paraprofessional Release Time Memo | Click Here |
| CTP Brochure | Click Here |
| Approved Colleges and Universities | Click Here |
| Summer Stipend Fact Sheet | Click Here |
| Summer Stipend Application | Click Here |
| CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form | Click Here |
| CTP Sample Confirmation Email | Click Here |
Important Updates:
- To ensure timely receipt of your confirmation email and voucher, it is mandatory to use your NYCPS email address for applications. The Teacher Support Network (TSN) system no longer accepts applications from personal email domains.
- To request a change to your voucher’s college or university, download and submit the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form. Please allow 48 hours for processing.
- Expect to receive an application confirmation email within 24-48 hours of submitting your Career Training Program application.
| READY TO APPLY? | APPLY HERE |
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For step-by-step guidance on the application process, refer to the comprehensive CTP Application Guide.
If you do not receive an email confirmation after applying, it indicates that your application was not successfully submitted, and you will need to re-apply.
For further inquiries or assistance, please contact the Career Training Program team via email at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 935-2449.
Additional Career Advancement Programs for NYC Paraprofessionals
Beyond the Career Training Program, NYC Public Schools offer additional pathways for paraprofessionals to grow professionally and advance their careers in education. These programs provide varied support mechanisms, from student teaching opportunities to graduate reimbursement and certification assistance.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program
For paraprofessionals ready to take the next step towards becoming teachers, the NYCPS provides a Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program. This initiative offers up to 40 days of paid leave to fulfill student teaching requirements, recognizing that many higher education institutions require dedicated student teaching experience for certification. Limited to 100 leaves per year (50 each for fall and spring), this competitive program requires advance application and approval.
Key details of the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program:
- Eligibility: Full-time paraprofessionals with at least one full year of service, a minimum 2.5 GPA in their program of study, and enrollment in a NYSED-approved teacher certification program are eligible to apply. Online and out-of-state programs must hold NYSED approval to qualify.
- Categories: The program caters to paraprofessionals in various stages of teacher preparation, including those needing student teaching to complete degrees in education, Master’s programs for initial certification, or undergraduate programs for initial certification.
- Restrictions: Applications must be submitted well in advance (at least four weeks before the leave date). This is a one-time opportunity limited to 40 days and focused solely on student teaching for initial teacher certification. Leaves for non-teaching positions are not granted.
| STUDENT TEACHING LEAVE OF ABSENCE PROGRAM RESOURCES | ACCESS DOCUMENTS |
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| Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview | Click here |
Application Windows:
- Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st
- Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (Application Closed – Capacity Reached)
| APPLY FOR STUDENT TEACHING LEAVE | SUBMIT APPLICATION |
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For more information, contact [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
The Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program offers financial assistance to paraprofessionals pursuing graduate education to become certified teachers. NYCPS will reimburse up to 12 graduate credits for eligible paraprofessionals enrolled in a qualifying graduate program.
Key aspects of the Graduate Reimbursement Program:
- Eligibility: Applicants must be fully matriculated in a NYS-approved graduate education program leading to teacher certification, have completed at least 12 graduate credits, possess one full year of NYCPS paraprofessional experience, and maintain full-time paraprofessional status. Coursework must be part of a master’s degree in a classroom teaching discipline with a grade of “B” or higher.
- Restrictions: Reimbursement is capped at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate and does not cover programs outside of teacher education, pre-requisite courses, or courses taken before program admission. It also does not apply to non-teaching disciplines like counseling or social work.
| GRADUATE REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM INFORMATION | ACCESS DOCUMENT |
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| Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information | Click here |
Application Availability: Annually, February 1st – March 31st
| APPLY FOR GRADUATE REIMBURSEMENT | SUBMIT APPLICATION |
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For inquiries, contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
To further ease the financial burden of becoming a certified teacher, the NYCPS offers a one-time Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program. This program reimburses up to $400 for state teacher certificate application fees and NYS certification exams.
Program Highlights:
- Eligibility: Paraprofessionals who have achieved NYS teacher certification on or after September 1st of the application year and possess receipts for NYS exams and application fees are eligible. Reimbursement requests must be made within one year of certification.
- Required Documentation: Application form, NYS Teacher Application and NYS Examination receipts, and proof of passing certification exams.
| CERTIFICATION TESTING REIMBURSEMENT RESOURCES | ACCESS DOCUMENTS |
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| Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview | Click Here |
| Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application | Click Here |
Application Availability: Annually, March 1st – April 30th
For further details, contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) Opportunities
For paraprofessionals seeking enhanced classroom roles and increased compensation, the Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions offer excellent opportunities. These annual positions allow experienced paraprofessionals with bachelor’s degrees and Teacher Assistant certifications to take on more responsibilities in the classroom under teacher supervision.
Key features of LTA/BLTA positions:
- Eligibility: Requires a bachelor’s degree, NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate, one year of full-time paraprofessional experience with NYCDOE, and a satisfactory attendance record. BLTA positions additionally require fluency in a target language. Successful candidates receive additional annual compensation up to $5,000.
| LTA/BLTA POSITION INFORMATION | ACCESS DOCUMENT |
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| LTA/BLTA Position Posting | Click Here |
Application Availability: Annually, January 1st – March 31st
| APPLY FOR LTA/BLTA POSITION | SUBMIT APPLICATION |
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For more information about LTA/BLTA positions, email [email protected] or call 718-935-2449.
Take the Next Step in Your Education Career in NYC
The NYC Department of Education is committed to supporting the professional growth of its paraprofessionals. These career training and advancement programs, including the flagship NYC Career Training Program, offer valuable resources and financial aid to help dedicated individuals achieve their goals of becoming certified teachers. Explore the programs that align with your career aspirations and take advantage of these incredible opportunities to elevate your career within the NYC Public Schools system.
