What Certification Is Needed to Become a Substitute Teacher in New York?
In New York State public schools, substitute teachers fill in for teachers who are absent from their classrooms due to illness, vacation or other personal reasons. The professional credentialing needed to work as a substitute in the states varies based upon how long the teacher will spend in one particular public school district's schools. Requirements also vary based upon the geographic location in which a substitute works.
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General Requirements
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Individuals who have a New York state teacher certificate may work in any public school setting for an unlimited period of time, meaning they could work daily in the same school or for the same district for an entire year. New York City requires substitutes to have teaching certificates to work in public schools for any number of days. In most other parts of the state, substitutes may work with no teaching certificate, provided they work for no more than 40 days in the same school year for any one school district. Those without certification who must work in the same school for more than 40 days must be actively completing an educational program in the specific grade level or specialty area in which they are teaching.
Types of Certificates
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The New York state teacher certification process begins with the initial certificate. This credential is valid for up to five years. Substitutes may teach with the initial certificate. At the conclusion of the five-year time period, the initial license expires and is not renewable. Substitute teachers who are eligible can apply for the professional certificate. Once obtained, the professional certificate is renewable every five years, provided substitutes complete continuing education training courses prior to their licenses' expiration dates.
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Education for Certificates
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To qualify for initial certification, student teachers must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in their respective area or specialty of education. The New York Department of Education approves programs that qualify for teacher certification. As of 2010, more than 100 colleges had approved programs in various specialty areas. These baccalaureate programs typically last for four years and include student-teaching experience. The professional certificate requires student teachers to have a master's degree in their respective educational specialties.
Other Requirements for Certificates
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The initial certificate requires all teachers, including substitutes, to pass a series of examinations to gain the credential. The examinations vary based upon grade level, subject or specialty. Generally, three examinations are required, one in general liberal arts topics, one in teaching theory and practice for various ages and one specifically in the content areas that teacher specialize in, such as biology or music. The initial certificate also requires substitutes to undergo professional fingerprinting and pass a criminal background check. The professional license requires substitutes to have three years of teaching experience in addition to having completed the requirements necessary for the initial certificate.
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