Alternative certification programs are designed for individuals who are not certified teachers. Individuals possess a bachelor's degree or higher and wish to teach but have not yet completed a teacher preparation program.
Although there's no age cap, these programs tend to attract recent college graduates and career changers. The programs help individuals earn a New York State teaching certification through an expedited route while completing a master's degree and receiving hands-on training in a New York City public school.
Candidates in an alternative certification program who successfully complete pre-service training and pass the required certification exams are eligible to be employed as full-time certified teachers in a New York City public school while completing their master’s degree. After successfully completing the requirements of the program and New York State certification, the Teacher-candidate must apply for a New York State Initial teaching certificate.
NYC Public Schools has two alternative certification programs designed to prepare individuals who do not have a background in education for entering the classroom through an expedited route. These programs are the NYC Teaching Fellows and the NYC Teaching Collaborative.
Both the NYC Teaching Fellows and NYC Teaching Collaborative programs prepare new teachers to be ready to lead a NYC classroom on day one - and make a difference for the students who need them the most.
While both programs share similar benefits, each program has it's own distinct training timeline and stipend amounts.