The Career Training Program (CTP) is a fantastic opportunity for eligible UFT paraprofessionals within the NYC Public Schools system to Apply For Career Training Program benefits and earn their first Bachelor’s degree. This program is specifically designed to support your educational aspirations by covering tuition costs for undergraduate study at participating colleges and universities. If you’re a dedicated paraprofessional looking to advance your career in education, the CTP offers substantial support to help you achieve your goals.
Program participants benefit from tuition coverage for 3 to 6 credits per semester. Furthermore, those enrolled in five (5) or more credit hours are granted two and a half (2.5) hours of paid Release Time each week to dedicate to their studies. To further assist with academic pursuits, especially during intensive study periods, paraprofessionals can also apply for career training program related support like the Summer Stipend. It’s important to note that while the program provides significant financial and time support, paraprofessionals are responsible for independently researching, applying to, and enrolling in a college or university that participates in the CTP.
| ELIGIBILITY: |
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To apply for career training program benefits, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Full-Time Employment: Applicants must be employed as a full-time paraprofessional within a NYC public school. This program is designed for those committed to their full-time roles while pursuing their education.
- Current Payroll Status: You must be payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional when you submit your application and maintain this status throughout the application school year. Consistency in your full-time role is crucial for eligibility.
- Matriculation Requirement: Candidates need to demonstrate proof of mandatory matriculation into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits. This ensures the program supports focused degree completion.
- Exclusion of Substitute Paraprofessionals: Please note that Substitute Paraprofessionals are not eligible to apply for career training program participation.
- Credit Limit: The Career Training Program provides financial support for up to 120 credits towards your first Bachelor’s degree. This is a comprehensive amount designed to cover a significant portion of your degree. Exceptions to this credit limit will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, allowing for flexibility in certain circumstances.
- Total Credit Consideration: The 120-credit limit encompasses all credits, including transfer credits and credits earned before joining the program. For example, if you enter the program with existing credits, the program will cover the remaining credits up to the 120-credit maximum.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 is required to be eligible to apply for career training program benefits.
- Maintaining Academic Standing: Participants must maintain a “C” grade point average (2.0) throughout their program participation to remain eligible for the CTP.
- Consequences of Low GPA: Paraprofessionals whose GPA falls below 2.0 will lose eligibility for the CTP Voucher.
- Course Grade Policy: The NYC Public Schools will NOT cover courses with “F” grades, late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. It’s important to maintain good academic standing and manage course withdrawals appropriately.
- Financial Responsibility for Ineligible Participants: Paraprofessionals who become ineligible for the Career Training Program are responsible for all subsequent course credits, tuition, and associated fees.
| FINANCIAL AID: |
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Financial aid plays a key role in the CTP. For paraprofessionals who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant or the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant, these resources will be applied first to cover tuition expenses. The participating college or university will then bill the NYC Public Schools for any remaining tuition balance after these grants are applied. It is important to understand that the NYCPS tuition coverage is specifically for tuition costs. The NYCPS does not cover course materials or other fees levied by the college or university, such as activity, application, or technology fees. These additional costs are the responsibility of the paraprofessional. When you apply for career training program benefits, consider these additional potential costs in your financial planning.
| APPLICATION AVAILABILITY: |
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- Fall Semester – Application period: May 1st through June 30th
- Spring Semester – Application period: September 1st through October 31st
- Summer Semester – Application period: February 1st through March 31st
NOTE: A separate application is required for each semester (fall, spring, and summer) you wish to participate. Vouchers are semester-specific and cannot be carried over to previous or future semesters if unused. Make sure to apply for career training program benefits within the correct application window for each semester.
| CTP Resources | |
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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 – Please take note of these important updates:
- NYCPS Email Address Requirement: To ensure you receive your confirmation email and voucher, you must use your NYCPS email address when you apply for career training program. Personal email addresses from other domains will no longer be accepted by the Teacher Support Network (TSN) system.
- Voucher College/University Name Changes: If you need to update the college or university name on your voucher, you are required to download and submit the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form (linked above). Please allow up to 48 hours for processing of your request.
- Application Confirmation Emails: After you apply for career training program, expect to receive a confirmation email within 24-48 hours confirming successful application submission. If you do not receive this email, it indicates your application was not properly submitted and you will need to re-apply.
| APPLY HERE |
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| Apply for the Career Training Program |
For detailed step-by-step guidance on how to successfully apply for the Career Training Program Voucher, please consult our comprehensive CTP Application Guide.
Remember to check for your email confirmation after submitting your application. No confirmation email means your application was not successfully submitted and requires resubmission.
For any further inquiries or if you require additional information, please do not hesitate to email [email protected] or call us at (718) 935-2449.
Explore Other Paraprofessional Development Programs
Beyond the Career Training Program, NYC Public Schools offers additional programs designed to support paraprofessional career growth within the education system. Here’s a brief overview of related opportunities:
PARAPROFESSIONAL STUDENT TEACHING LEAVE OF ABSENCE PROGRAM
NYCPS provides a Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) program, offering eligible paraprofessionals up to 40 days of paid leave to fulfill student teaching requirements. This is particularly helpful as some colleges may not accept paraprofessional work experience in lieu of formal student teaching. It’s important to note that the number of leaves is limited to 100 per year (50 each for fall and spring semesters), and applicants must receive approval before commencing their leave.
| Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview | Click here |
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| APPLICATION AVAILABILITY: |
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Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st
Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (THE APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED – We have reached our application cap.)
| ELIGIBILITY: |
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To be eligible for the PSTLOA Program, paraprofessionals must:
- Minimum Employment Duration: Be a full-time, active employee with at least one (1) full school year of service as a Paraprofessional. Substitute paraprofessional experience does not count towards this requirement.
- Current Payroll Status: Be payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at the time of application and maintain this status for the application school year.
- GPA Requirement: Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their program of study.
- Enrollment in NYSED-Approved Program: Be enrolled in a New York State Education Department (NYSED) approved program leading to New York State teaching certification. Note the following for online and out-of-state colleges: Programs from online colleges not approved by NYSED and out-of-state colleges without official NYSED approval are ineligible.
Eligible paraprofessionals must also fit into one of these categories:
- Category A: Paraprofessionals with an education degree (undergraduate or graduate) lacking student teaching for certification.
- Category B: Paraprofessionals in a Master’s degree program for initial certification needing student teaching completion.
- Category C: Paraprofessionals in an undergraduate program for initial certification needing student teaching completion.
| RESTRICTIONS: |
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- Document Submission Deadline: All required documents must be submitted at least four (4) weeks before the requested leave of absence begins.
- Limited Application Periods: PSTLOA applications are offered annually during limited fall and spring periods.
- Payroll Status Maintenance: Eligibility requires being payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at application and throughout the application school year.
- Leave Granting Priority: Leaves are granted based on need, prioritizing paraprofessionals who have already graduated from teacher education programs.
- One-Time Application Limit: Each paraprofessional can apply to the PSTLOA program only once.
- Leave Duration: The program allows for up to 40 days of student teaching leave. For longer leaves, applicants must apply for an unpaid extended leave via the SOE Self-Service Online Leave Application System (SOLAS).
- Focus on Initial Certification: Leave is only granted for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification, and not for non-teaching positions.
| APPLY HERE |
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| Apply for Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program |
After submitting your application, ensure you click the SUBMIT button to guarantee successful submission and look for a confirmation email. If no email is received, re-submit your application.
Mail required documents to:
New York City Public Schools
Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services
65 Court Street, Room 508, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Attn: Paraprofessional Student Teaching LOA Program
For further information, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
PARAPROFESSIONAL TO TEACHER PATHWAY GRADUATE REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
The Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program offers eligible paraprofessionals reimbursement for up to twelve (12) graduate credits towards teacher certification. This program supports those enrolled in graduate education programs. New York State certification must be obtained after September 1st of the application year and adhere to program application procedures.
| Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information | Click here |
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| APPLICATION AVAILABILITY: |
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Annually: February 1st — March 31st
| ELIGIBILITY: |
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- Matriculation in NYS Approved Program: Applicants must be admitted and fully matriculated in a NYS-approved and accredited graduate education program for teacher certification.
- Completed Graduate Credits: Completion of twelve (12) credits towards the graduate program is required.
- Paraprofessional Experience: At least one (1) full year of paid experience as a paraprofessional within NYC Public Schools is necessary.
- Current Payroll Status: Applicants must be payrolled as full-time paraprofessionals at application and maintain this status during the school year.
- Eligible Coursework: Reimbursable coursework must be part of a master’s degree in education leading to teaching and NYS certification, specifically in a classroom teaching discipline. Pre-requisite or content courses are not eligible.
- Minimum Grade for Reimbursement: Coursework must have a passing grade of “B” or higher to qualify for reimbursement.
| RESTRICTIONS: |
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- Reimbursement Rate: Reimbursements are based on the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- Ineligible Disciplines: Programs not leading to NYS classroom teacher certification, such as Guidance Counselor, Psychologist, Social Worker, Attendance Teacher, and Speech Pathologist programs, are ineligible.
- No Reimbursement for Prior Coursework: Pre-requisite courses or coursework taken before program admission are not reimbursable.
- No Release Time: Release time for graduate credits is not applicable under this program.
- Initial Certification Focus: Reimbursement is only for courses required for initial certification.
- Financial Aid Coordination: If participants receive other financial aid, it will be applied first to tuition. NYCPS will cover the remaining tuition balance.
- Reimbursement Check Pickup: Reimbursement checks must be picked up at the Office of Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services at 65 Court Street, 5th floor, Room 508, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Photo ID is required.
| APPLY HERE |
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| Apply for Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program |
Click SUBMIT on your application to ensure successful submission and check for a confirmation email. Resubmit if no email is received.
Mail required documents to:
New York City Public Schools
Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services
65 Court Street, Room 508, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Attn: Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
For inquiries, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
PARAPROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION TESTING REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
NYCPS offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400.00 for the state teacher certificate application and NYS certification exams through the Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program. This program supports paraprofessionals pursuing a teaching career within NYC Public Schools.
| Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview | Click Here |
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| Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application | Click Here |
| APPLICATION AVAILABILITY: |
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Annually: March 1st – April 30th
| ELIGIBILITY: |
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- NYS Teacher Certification: Paraprofessionals must have attained NYS teacher certification on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Receipts Required: Applicants must provide receipts for NYS Examinations and the NYS Teacher Application.
- Reimbursement Timeframe: Reimbursement must be requested within one year of certification.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
- Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Application, NYS Teacher Application and NYS Examination receipts, and Proof of passing certification exams.
For further details, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
LEAD TEACHER ASSISTANT (LTA) / BILINGUAL LEAD TEACHER ASSISTANT (BLTA)
The Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) position is an annual opportunity for full-time NYCPS paraprofessionals, offering diverse classroom support roles under teacher supervision. This position enhances paraprofessional skills and can serve as a pathway to a teaching career. Eligible paraprofessionals receive additional compensation up to $5,000 annually.
| LTA/BLTA Position Posting | Click Here |
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| APPLY HERE |
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| Apply for Lead Teacher Assistant Position |
| APPLICATION AVAILABILITY: |
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Annually: January 1 – March 31
| ELIGIBILITY: |
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- Bachelor’s Degree Requirement: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
- Teacher Assistant Certificate: An active and issued Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III) from NYSED is required.
- Transcript and Certificate Submission: Candidates must submit transcripts showing degree conferral date and a copy of their Teaching Assistant Certificate.
- NYCDOE Paraprofessional Experience: One (1) year of full-time, active paraprofessional service at NYCDOE is required.
- Attendance and Punctuality: A satisfactory record of attendance and punctuality is necessary.
- Bilingual LTA Fluency: Bilingual LTA applicants must demonstrate fluency in the relevant language.
