Are you a dedicated paraprofessional in the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) with a passion for education and a desire to advance your career? The NYCPS Career Training Program (CTP) offers a unique opportunity to achieve your dream of becoming a certified teacher. This comprehensive program provides eligible paraprofessionals with tuition assistance to earn their first Bachelor’s degree, paving the way for a fulfilling and impactful career in education. If you’re ready to take the next step in your professional journey, now is the time to apply for career training program and unlock your full potential.
The Career Training Program is specifically designed to support the professional growth of NYCPS paraprofessionals. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of paraprofessionals in the classroom, the CTP aims to empower these individuals to become certified teachers within the school system. By providing financial support and resources, the program removes significant barriers to higher education, making a bachelor’s degree and a teaching career more accessible.
One of the key benefits of the CTP is financial assistance. The program covers tuition costs for up to 6 credits per semester at participating colleges and universities. This substantial support can significantly reduce the financial burden of pursuing a degree, making higher education a realistic goal for eligible paraprofessionals. Furthermore, for those enrolled in five or more credit hours, the program offers release time – 2.5 hours per week – to dedicate to study. This release time acknowledges the demanding schedules of working professionals and provides dedicated hours to focus on academic success. Participants can also explore applying for a Summer Stipend, offering additional financial support for summer studies.
To participate in this transformative program, paraprofessionals must take the initiative to research, apply, and enroll in a participating accredited college or university. This empowers individuals to choose an institution and program that best aligns with their academic and career aspirations.
Are You Eligible to Apply for the Career Training Program?
Eligibility for the Career Training Program is structured to ensure that the resources are directed towards dedicated paraprofessionals committed to advancing their education and careers within the NYCPS system. Here are the key eligibility criteria you need to meet to apply for career training program:
- Full-Time Paraprofessional Status: Applicants must be currently employed as full-time paraprofessionals within a NYC public school. This ensures that the program supports those actively working within the school system.
- Payroll Status: You must be officially payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional at the time of submitting your application and maintain this status throughout the application school year. This confirms your ongoing commitment to your role within NYCPS.
- Bachelor’s Degree Requirement: The CTP is designed for paraprofessionals who have not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree. This program is focused on providing the foundational education needed for career advancement into teaching roles.
- Matriculation into a Degree Program: Candidates must demonstrate proof of mandatory matriculation into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits. This ensures that participants are on a clear path towards degree completion.
- Exclusion of Substitute Paraprofessionals: Substitute paraprofessionals are not eligible for the CTP. The program is specifically for full-time employees.
- Credit Limit: The Career Training Program provides funding for up to 120 credits towards your first Bachelor’s degree. This comprehensive coverage is designed to support the majority of degree programs. Exceptions to this credit limit may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Credit Calculation: The 120-credit limit encompasses all credits, including transfer credits and credits earned before joining the program. For instance, if you enter the program with 30 existing credits, the CTP will cover up to 90 additional credits.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 is required to be eligible for the program. Furthermore, participants must maintain a “C” average (2.0 GPA) throughout their participation to remain eligible.
- Academic Performance: NYC Public Schools will not provide funding for courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is crucial for continued program participation.
- Financial Responsibility: Paraprofessionals who become ineligible for the Career Training Program are responsible for all subsequent course costs, including tuition and fees.
Understanding the Financial Aid and Costs
The Career Training Program is designed to minimize the financial barriers to higher education for paraprofessionals. Financial aid plays a crucial role in covering tuition expenses. 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 costs. The NYC Public Schools will then be billed for the remaining tuition balance after these grants are applied.
It’s important to note that while the CTP provides significant tuition assistance, there are some costs that remain the responsibility of the paraprofessional. The NYCPS will not cover expenses such as course materials (textbooks, supplies), activity fees, application fees, technology fees, or any other fees charged by the college or university. Therefore, when you apply for career training program, it’s essential to plan for these additional costs.
Application Availability and Deadlines
To apply for career training program, be mindful of the application windows for each semester:
- Fall Semester: Applications are accepted from May 1st through June 30th.
- Spring Semester: The application period is from September 1st through October 31st.
- Summer Semester: Applications are open from February 1st through March 31st.
It is crucial to submit a separate application for each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer) you wish to participate in. Vouchers issued for one semester cannot be carried over or applied to previous or future semesters. Planning ahead and applying within the correct timeframe is essential.
Ready to Apply? Here’s How to Get Started
Taking the first step towards advancing your career is exciting. To apply for career training program, you’ll need to access the online application portal.
For detailed guidance through the application process, refer to the comprehensive CTP Application Guide. This guide provides step-by-step instructions and clarifies any potential questions you might have.
Important Reminders for Application Submission:
- NYCPS Email Address: To ensure you receive your application confirmation and voucher, you must use your official NYCPS email address when applying. The system no longer accepts applications from personal email domains.
- Confirmation Email: Upon successful submission of your application, you should receive a confirmation email within 24-48 hours. If you do not receive this confirmation, it indicates that your application was not properly submitted, and you will need to re-submit it.
If you need to make changes to your voucher, such as updating your college or university name, you will need to download and submit the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form. Allow 48 hours for processing any voucher change requests.
Explore Other Career Advancement Pathways
While the Career Training Program is a cornerstone initiative for paraprofessional career development, NYCPS offers a range of additional programs to support your professional journey in education. Exploring these options can provide further avenues for growth and specialization.
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Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program: This program offers eligible paraprofessionals up to 40 days of paid leave to complete mandatory student teaching requirements for teacher certification. This is a valuable resource for those nearing the completion of their teacher preparation programs. Learn more by reviewing the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview.
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Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program: For paraprofessionals pursuing a graduate degree in education leading to teacher certification, this program can reimburse up to 12 graduate credits. This program helps offset the costs of advanced education. Details are available in the Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information document.
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Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program: NYCPS provides a one-time reimbursement of up to $400 for state teacher certification application fees and NYS certification exams. This program assists with the costs associated with becoming officially certified. Find out more in the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview.
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Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) Positions: For experienced paraprofessionals with a Bachelor’s degree and a Teacher Assistant Certificate, the LTA/BLTA positions offer an opportunity to take on more responsibilities in the classroom with additional compensation. This can be a stepping stone towards a teaching career. Read the LTA/BLTA Position Posting for further information.
Take the Next Step in Your Education Career
The NYCPS Career Training Program is an exceptional opportunity for eligible paraprofessionals to achieve their academic and professional goals. By providing tuition assistance, release time, and a clear pathway to a Bachelor’s degree, the CTP empowers dedicated individuals to become certified teachers and make an even greater impact on the lives of NYC students. Don’t wait to invest in your future. Apply for career training program today and embark on a rewarding journey towards a teaching career within the NYC Public Schools.
For any further questions or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (718) 935-2449
Resources:
- CTP Fact Sheet
- CTP FAQ Document
- CTP UFT Paraprofessional Release Time Memo
- CTP DC-37 Paraprofessional Release Time Memo
- CTP Brochure
- Approved Colleges and Universities
- Summer Stipend Fact Sheet
- Summer Stipend Application
- CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form
- CTP Sample Confirmation Email
- CTP Application Guide
- Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview
- Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information
- Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview
- LTA/BLTA Position Posting
- APPLY HERE
