How to Become a Teacher in New York City (2023)

Teaching in New York City can be a challenging and rewarding career path. Public school teachers in New York City are employed by the New York City Department of Education–the largest public school district in the country with over one million students and 75,000 teachers in 1,800 schools.1 Although the application process for teaching jobs in NYC is generally competitive, there are many opportunities available, especially if you teach a high-demand subject, such as science, math, or languages, or are interested in teaching in a high-needs area of the city. You will need teaching certification to work in the public school system, although this certification is not necessarily required in private and charter schools in New York City. Continue reading to learn more about how to become a teacher in New York City.

New York City Teacher Certification Requirements

If you have a bachelor’s degree and completed teacher preparation from a recognized New York state program or a similar program in another state, you can apply for a traditional certificate. New teachers will be issued an Initial Certificate, while experienced teachers may be eligible for the Professional Certificate. Take a look at our New York certification page for more information.

If you did not complete teacher preparation as part of your bachelor’s degree program, you can complete this requirement while you teach through a New York alternative certification program. These types of certificates include the Transitional A certificate for career and technical education teachers with experience but no degree or the Transitional B certificate for teaching fellows who are eligible to earn the certificate while they teach through programs such as the New York Teaching Collaborative, which places teachers in the highest-need schools. Our New York alternative certification page has more information about these options.

Teacher Certification Programs in New York City

The following colleges and universities offer teacher certification programs in New York City that can qualify you for a teaching certificate or, if you are already certified, an additional endorsement. You can also read more about programs statewide on our New York schools page.

  • Bard College
  • Barnard College
  • Boricua College
  • College of Mount Saint Vincent
  • College of Staten Island
  • Columbia University
  • CUNY Hunter College
  • CUNY Lehman College
  • CUNY Medgar Evers College
  • CUNY York College
  • Fordham University
  • Long Island University
  • Manhattan College
  • Marymount Manhattan College
  • Mercy College
  • Metropolitan College of New York
  • Monroe College
  • The New School
  • New York City College of Technology
  • New York University
  • Nyack College
  • Pace University
  • Plaza College
  • Queens College
  • Rockefeller University
  • St. Francis College
  • St. John’s University
  • St. Joseph’s College
  • SUNY Empire State College
  • Touro College
  • Wagner College
  • Yeshiva University

How to Become a Teacher in New York City (1)


How to Become a Teacher in New York City (2)

New York City School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher

To work as a teacher or substitute teacher in New York City, you will need to have a teaching certificate issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) or have a bachelor’s degree and complete an alternative program that allows you to earn the certificate while you work, such as the New York City Teaching Fellows program. There are several programs offered to earn this certificate depending on your prior education and experience. You can learn more about these statewide requirements in the New York certification section below. Once you have obtained the NYSED teaching certificate, follow the steps below to look for New York City teaching jobs.

Step 1: Complete your application.

You must first complete the New York City Department of Education Online Teacher Application. The application includes employment and educational history, professional references, and essay questions. Your application must be approved before you can search for and apply to teaching jobs in New York City.

Step 2: Contact schools directly to apply for open jobs.

If your application is accepted, you will be eligible to apply for open jobs using the New Teacher Finder tool on the application website, applying to schools directly, or attending recruitment events. Schools in New York City make hiring decisions individually; therefore, you will need to contact each school independently to apply for open jobs. Schools may also contact you and invite you to attend job fairs or interviews using the online portal system.

Step 3: Attend an interview.

Depending on the school, you will likely be asked to attend at least one in-person interview to determine your suitability for the position. Often, prospective teachers will be asked to conduct a classroom experience in front of a panel of peers based on a prepared lesson plan. Participants will evaluate the lesson plan and the delivery of the lesson to determine whether a candidate is a good fit for that school. Further details regarding the interview process will be provided by each individual school if they choose to proceed with your application.

Step 4: Complete the hiring process.

If you receive a job offer, you will likely need to complete administrative requirements, such as setting up your state email address and payroll deposits. Any other specific details will be communicated to you by the school.

Contact Information

New York City Department of Education
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NYCschools/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYCSchools?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

8 Spruce St
New York, NY 10038
(212) 233-2324
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/home

How to Become a Substitute Teacher with the New York City School District

To become a substitute teacher, the principal of the school where you wish to work must nominate you to the New York City Department of Education via an online application; therefore, you will need to contact the school directly to express your interest. To become a substitute teacher in NYC, you need to have a bachelor’s degree, English proficiency, and the legal ability to work in the US and will be asked to fill out an online application form. If you already have a regular teaching certificate, you may be issued an additional Per Diem Teaching Certificate that allows you to work as a substitute teacher in any school in the state.

How to Become a Teacher in New York City (3)

Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in New York City

Private and charter schools in NYC have individualized requirements for teacher applicants. In most cases, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree and some experience working with children to be eligible, although a master’s degree, teaching experience, or state certification will significantly improve your chances of finding a job in this type of school. Private and charter schools operate independently of the public school system, although charter schools receive public funding. If you are interested in teaching jobs in these types of schools, contact individual schools directly for information on hiring requirements.

The Largest K-12 Schools in New York City

The table below will help you compare the largest public, private, and charter schools in New York City that may be hiring qualified educators.

SchoolTypeGrade Level# StudentsStudent-Teacher
Ratio
PS 89-ElmhurstPublicK-51,96015:1
PS 19-Marino JeantetPublicK-51,89413:1
New Explorations into Science, Technology & Math SchoolPublicK-121,72919:1
IS 61-Leonardo da VinciPublic6-82,22514:1
IS 73-The Frank Sansivieri Intermediate SchoolPublic6-81,98114:1
JHS 234-Arthur W. CunninghamPublic6-81,90917:1
Brooklyn Technical High SchoolPublic9-125,83924:1
Fort Hamilton High SchoolPublic9-124,58020:1
Francis Lewis High SchoolPublic9-124,54120:1
Excellence Girls Charter SchoolCharterK-121,45214:1
Brooklyn Ascend Charter SchoolCharterK-111,39513:1
Success Academy Harlem 1CharterK-121,18411:1
Central UTA SchoolPrivatePK-124,97512:1
Bais Rochel SchoolPrivatePK-123,58710:1
United Talmudical AcademyPrivatePK-123,31913:1

See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.

How to Become a Teacher in New York City (4)

New York City Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook

As is common in other states and metros, the average salary for teachers in New York City increases based on the age range taught. According to the New York Department of Labor, in 2018 NYC kindergarten teachers earned an average salary of $66,310, while elementary teachers earned $80,300, middle school teachers earned $79,260, and secondary school teachers earned $80,840.2 These averages are below statewide averages as of 2018, which showed that kindergarten teachers earned an average of $79,410, elementary school teachers earned $83,010, middle school teachers earned $83,490, and secondary school teachers earned $85,300.3

Long-term projections for teacher positions suggest that jobs growth for teachers in New York City should increase by between 4% and 5% through 2026.2 Special education teachers in preschool and kindergarten and elementary school should see even stronger growth, at 18.8% and 7.2% respectively.2

New York City Teacher Shortage Areas

The US Department of Education bases some student loan forgiveness programs on teacher shortage areas, meaning that your chances of qualifying for loan forgiveness may be stronger if you are teaching a subject that has been formally identified as a shortage area. You may also qualify for other funding opportunities or a more competitive salary based on your endorsement(s). Note that shortage areas may change from year to year, so you should be sure to check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. For the 2017-2018 school year, the following subject areas were recognized as shortage areas in New York City:4

  • Arts (Dance, Music, Theatre: All Grades)
  • Bilingual Education: Not Special Education (All Grades)
  • Career and Technical Education (All Grades)
  • Childhood and Elementary Education
  • English (7-12)
  • Health Education (All Grades)
  • Languages Other Than English (LOTE) (All Grades)
  • Mathematics (7-12)
  • Reading and Literacy (All Grades)
  • Sciences (7-12)
  • Social Studies (7-12)
  • Special Education (Bilingual): (All Grades)
  • Special Education (Not Bilingual): Elementary
  • Special Education (Not Bilingual): Middle/Secondary

New York City Teaching Job Boards

Job postings for public school positions are available to applicants who have been accepted by the NYSED; however, you can still find postings for private and charter school jobs on the following sites. You can also check out our jobs board to search for teaching jobs in NYC.

Additional Resources

  • EngageNY: An archived program maintained by the New York State Education Department that provides supplemental educational materials and curriculum support for mathematics and English Language Arts.
  • NYS Teacher Centers: A network of teaching centers that provide professional development to support student achievement.
  • United Federation of Teachers: Union that works to support the needs of educators across all five NYC boroughs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How many teachers are there in New York City?

Answer: According to data from the New York Department of Labor, there are over 126,000 teachers in New York City.2 In addition to these professionals, there are an estimated 8,400 substitute teachers in NYC, as well as approximately 37,860 teacher assistants.2

Question: How much do New York City substitute teachers make?

Answer: Substitutes in NYC are paid a daily rate of $188.75 for each day worked.5 NYC public school substitutes are not eligible for other benefits.

Question: Can you become a substitute teacher without certification in New York City?

Answer: If you do not have teacher certification, you must have a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the English language. A school principal must nominate you for an open substitute position, which will then be considered by the school district. You can read more about becoming a substitute through the NYC schools website.

How to Become a Teacher in New York City (5)

Table Notes and References:
1. Niche, Largest Schools in New York City: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/new-york-city-ny/

References:
1. New York City Department of Education: Teach NYC: https://teachnyc.net/why-teach-nyc
2. New York State Department of Labor: https://dol.ny.gov/labor-data
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, New York: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ny.htm#25-0000
4. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas Nationwide Listing: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/pol/bteachershortageareasreport201718.pdf
5. New York City Department of Education, Substitute Teaching: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/careers/substitute-teaching

FAQs

How to Become a Teacher in New York City? ›

Although the application process for teaching jobs in NYC is generally competitive, there are many opportunities available, especially if you teach a high-demand subject, such as science, math, or languages, or are interested in teaching in a high-needs area of the city.

Is it hard to get a teaching job in NYC? ›

Although the application process for teaching jobs in NYC is generally competitive, there are many opportunities available, especially if you teach a high-demand subject, such as science, math, or languages, or are interested in teaching in a high-needs area of the city.

What degree do you need to be a teacher in NYC? ›

Obtaining a teaching certification in New York requires a bachelor's degree. Students can choose any major that aligns with their desired teaching subject, grade level, or area of expertise. New York ultimately requires teachers to earn a master's degree within the first five years of obtaining initial licensure.

Do you need an education degree to teach in NYC? ›

To become a New York teacher, a candidate must meet the requirements stipulated by the Office of Teaching Initiatives. Like most states, New York requires that all state teachers hold a bachelor's degree, complete a New York teacher certification program, and pass the required content examinations.

Can I teach in NY without certification? ›

New York State requires that all teachers, school leaders (administrators), and pupil personnel service providers who are employed or wish to become employed in the State's public schools hold a New York State certificate.

What is a teachers salary in NYC? ›

Salaries by years of experience in New York, NY
Years of experiencePer hour
1 to 2 years$37.84
3 to 5 years-
6 to 9 years$44.12
More than 10 years$50.68
1 more row

Does NYC pay teachers well? ›

Recently, TEP school leaders announced that they're increasing those salaries to $140,000 for the 2023-24 school year. That's more than double the national average.

How long does it take to get a teaching certificate in NY? ›

A professional teaching certificate is an advanced certificate for teachers with a master's degree, a year of mentored teaching, and at least three years of teaching experience.

Is there a teacher shortage in NYC? ›

Help can't come soon enough, since state officials say New York will need more than 180,000 teachers in the next decade. The bill is currently in committee in the Assembly. Crisis in the Classroom is a weekly segment in which CBS 6 investigates issues faced by educators, students, and families.

Can you teach in NYC without a Masters? ›

What education do I need to become a teacher? In New York State, teachers can get initially certified with a bachelor's degree in education. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can become a teacher by earning a master's degree in education.

How much do substitute teachers make in NYC per day? ›

The daily rate of pay, effective May 14, 2021 is $199.27. Substitute Paraprofessionals: Effective May 14, 2021, the daily pay rate for a substitute paraprofessional is $166.67 based on a workday of (6) hours and fifty (50) minutes, inclusive of lunch. The student day ends after 6 hours and 20 minutes.

How do I become an assistant teacher in NYC? ›

Assistant Teacher (Certified)
  1. Be at least eighteen years old; and.
  2. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED); and.
  3. Hold a valid Level 1 or higher NY State Teaching Assistant certification or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

What is initial certification for teachers in NY? ›

The Initial Certificate is the entry-level teaching certificate for anyone who has completed a New York State teacher preparation program, or equivalent coursework and experience. The Initial Certificate is valid for five years.

Is teaching in NYC worth it reddit? ›

New York is one of the the best states to teach in. High pay, great pension, strong unions. Others have addressed the problem of trying to get a job on Long Island without experience.

Can you make a living as a teacher in NYC? ›

In the 2021-22 school year, starting salaries will range from $61,070 (bachelor's degree, no prior teaching experience) to $77,953 (master's degree, seven years teaching experience, plus additional coursework).

What is top pay for NYC teachers? ›

With annual increases plus increases for additional coursework, teachers' salaries will rise to the current maximum of $100,049 per year over time. Salary Steps and Longevity A salary step is an incremental increase in salary based on previous qualifying professional experience.

Do NYC teachers get paid weekly? ›

Department of Education (DoE) teachers are paid semi-monthly.

Which state pays teachers the most? ›

New York leads the nation in teacher pay with an average salary of $80,286, according to WalletHub.

Where is the best place to live as a teacher? ›

Top 11 Places to Be a Teacher
  • Syracuse, NY. ...
  • Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT. ...
  • Worcester, MA-CT. ...
  • Canton-Massillon, OH. ...
  • Toledo, OH. ...
  • Lancaster, PA. ...
  • Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT. ...
  • Columbus, OH (Tie)
Aug 9, 2022

How much do 3k teachers make in NYC? ›

Salaries by years of experience in New York, NY
Years of experiencePer hour
1 to 2 years$15.59
3 to 5 years-
6 to 9 years$16.68
More than 10 years$18.56
1 more row

Is a Masters in education the same as a Masters in teaching? ›

The primary distinction is that the master's in teaching focuses more directly on teaching and classroom management. In contrast, the master's in education is a broader degree, applicable to a classroom career but also to jobs in administration, curriculum development, and education policy.

How long does NYS teacher certification last? ›

Initial to Professional Teacher Certification

Initial certificates are valid for five (5) years with the potential for a time extension or a re-issuance of the initial certificate in certain circumstances.

Does a NYS teaching license expire? ›

Teaching Certification Renewal

Your Professional Certificate is valid indefinitely so long as you maintain the professional development (PD) standards of the New York State Department of Education during each five-year block.

How many hours do NYC teachers work? ›

I believe this to be a pretty fair estimate for many teachers. What is more, these work hours – 42.3 hours per workweek – are far above the average workweek as measured by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – 34.3 hours per week.

What type of teacher is in highest demand? ›

Which teaching subject is most in demand? While specific needs vary by institution, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are subjects that are always in high demand.

How many NYC teachers quit? ›

Indeed, according to the United Federation of Teachers, 45 percent of all New York City teachers either quit the profession entirely in their first five years on the job or leave for a teaching position outside the city public school system.

Does NYC DOE pay for master's degree? ›

The program subsidizes most of the cost of tuition (excluding books and materials) for your master's degree. The remaining balance for tuition is deducted from the Fellow's regular paycheck once they begin teaching.

Do you need a masters to teach kindergarten in NY? ›

You will need to possess a Bachelor's degree, have completed some early childhood education coursework OR have significant experience working in early childhood education (with children under 6), and commit to obtain a NY State early childhood teacher certification within three years of employment.

What is NYC DOE urban teacher residency? ›

The NYC Public Schools Urban Teacher Residency is an 18-month certification program that mentors and prepares the next generation of teachers using a school-based approach that puts student learning at the center of your professional development. For more information, contact UTR@schools.nyc.gov.

Where do substitute teachers make the most money? ›

Top companies for Substitute Teachers in United States
  • School Professionals. 3.9 $1,139per day. ...
  • San Francisco Unified School District. 3.7 $248per day. ...
  • Los Angeles Unified School District. 4.0 $230per day. ...
  • New York City Department of Education. 3.9 $222per day. ...
  • Cross Country Education. 4.1 $217per day. ...
  • Show more companies.

How do I get nominated as a substitute teacher in NYC? ›

Find a public school principal to nominate you for becoming a substitute. If you grew up in NYC you can go to your old high school; otherwise just contact a school close to where you live and schedule an interview with the principal.

How do substitute teachers get paid NYC? ›

Substitute teachers can be paid weekly or monthly depending on the school.

How much do pre K teachers make in NYC? ›

As of May 20, 2023, the average annual pay for a Pre K Teacher in New York is $33,516 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $16.11 an hour. This is the equivalent of $644/week or $2,793/month.

Do paraprofessionals get paid in the summer in NYC? ›

THE SUMMER STIPEND

The NYCDOE will pay a stipend of $40.00 per week (up to six weeks or $240.00) to each eligible paraprofessional attending an approved college or university during the summer semester. Paraprofessionals who work for the NYCDOE during the summer are not eligible to participate in this program.

How long is a Teaching Assistant? ›

Most colleges will offer a range of recognised TA qualifications that you can complete. Usually, these courses take around 12 months to complete. However, if you choose a part time course, it will take longer.

How many hours of student teaching are required in NY? ›

The clinical experience shall require the candidate to complete at least 50 clock hours of student teaching or practica, where such experiences focus on the applicable program-specific pedagogical core requirements for the special subject certificate and must occur with actual students in the special subject ...

What is passing for New York State teacher Certification? ›

New York State Exams Fast Facts
  • Offered Computer based.
  • Register and preparation materials at NYSTCE.
  • Fee $80.
  • Minimum Passing Score 500 (Score range 400-600) until revised EAS is operational then passing score returns to 520.
  • Test Length - 2 hours, 15 minutes.

What certification do you need to be a principal in NYS? ›

You must complete a state-approved preparation program for school administrators and receive an institutional recommendation from the program. You must also obtain a master's degree from an accredited college/university, and complete an additional 60 hours of graduate coursework.

What is the average age of a NYC teacher? ›

There is little difference across the schools in terms of the age-distribution of teachers; the median age of teachers is close to 40 years in each case.

Are teachers in high demand in NY? ›

As state officials estimate New York will need more than 180,000 new teachers in the next decade, the teacher shortage is already hitting selected subject specialties and geographic areas. Big city and rural districts are reporting severe shortages in many subject areas.

Do NYC teachers need to live in NYC? ›

Currently, most city employees must live in the city for two years and then can move to six surrounding New York counties and are taxed an additional amount equivalent to city taxes.

Are teachers in demand in NYC? ›

Help can't come soon enough, since state officials say New York will need more than 180,000 teachers in the next decade. The bill is currently in committee in the Assembly. Crisis in the Classroom is a weekly segment in which CBS 6 investigates issues faced by educators, students, and families.

How bad is the teacher shortage in New York? ›

New York. NewsNation-affiliate WTEN reports that New York is expected to need 180,000 new teachers in the next decade, but there may not be enough teachers to fill those roles.

Is it worth becoming a teacher in NYC? ›

Is Teaching A Good Job in NYC? A teaching job in NYC is a great job to have. The NYC Department of Education offers competitive salaries, free health benefits, job security, a strong union, and many other things that make this a good place to teach and work.

How often are NYC teachers paid? ›

Department of Education (DoE) teachers are paid semi-monthly. For some school programs, DoE makes separate payments to teachers and mails these checks to teachers' homes. City University of New York (CUNY) Community College employees are paid bi-weekly.

Where do teachers get paid the most in NY? ›

Highest paying cities for High School Teachers near New York, NY
  • Bronx, NY. $74,792 per year. 454 salaries reported.
  • Queens, NY. $74,537 per year. 28 salaries reported.
  • Brooklyn, NY. $68,258 per year. 260 salaries reported.
  • New York, NY. $67,897 per year. 369 salaries reported.
  • Syracuse, NY. $63,778 per year. ...
  • Show more nearby cities.

Why are teachers quitting 2023? ›

Clip: 04/10/2023 | 17m 51s | Staffing shortages, burnout, funding cuts, and debates over the curriculum are adding to the pressures on America's educators. In her new book, bestselling author Alexandra Robbins followed three teachers to see how these issues are changing the way they work.

What is the best state to teach in? ›

Best States for Teachers
  1. New York. New York's overall score of 60.86 makes it the best state in the U.S. for teachers, ranking third for Opportunity & Competition and third for Academic & Work Environment. ...
  2. Utah. ...
  3. Washington. ...
  4. Pennsylvania. ...
  5. New Jersey. ...
  6. Virginia. ...
  7. Maryland. ...
  8. Delaware.

What is the lowest teacher salary in New York? ›

How much does an Entry Level Teacher make in New York? The average Entry Level Teacher salary in New York is $45,487 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $37,986 and $55,473.

How long does it take to be a teacher in NYC? ›

Apply for Your Professional Teaching Certificate in New York

A professional teaching certificate is an advanced certificate for teachers with a master's degree, a year of mentored teaching, and at least three years of teaching experience.

How long is student teaching in NYC? ›

A student teaching or practicum experience of at least a full semester of at least 14 weeks in length, full-time, in an educational setting, and in alignment with the daily schedule and annual calendar of that educational setting; provided that candidates pursuing more than one certificate title may complete two ...

References

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