Q: What do I need to do before student teaching?
A: First, download or pick up a student teaching packet from the Office of Teacher Education (OTE). Follow the checklist on the front page of the packet in order to obtain a CLEARANCE TICKET. You must take a tuberculosis test, get fingerprinted (if applicable), and register online with the New York City Dept. of Ed (if applicable) in order to obtain a clearance ticket and start student teaching. A student teaching handbook is available online or at Russell Hall, 400 with guidelines for the placement. A general orientation to student teaching is offered by OTE at the start of each semester. (A full list of workshops and events is available on this website.)
Q: Can I student teach even though I have not taken the TB Tine Test?
A: No, STATE LAW requires all persons to take a tuberculin (TB) test before entering the classroom.
Q: Where can I go to take a TB Test?
A:
Q: When should I get fingerprinted?
A: All students who will be student teaching in a
Q: Where can I go to get fingerprinted?
A: OTE sponsors “Fingerprinting Days at TC” in early September and January of every year.
There are 2 methods to obtain fingerprint clearance:
1) Visit the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) at 65 Court Street in
OR
2) Pick up two fingerprint cards from Russell 400 and go to your local police precinct. Go to the New York State Education Department (NYSED website (CLICK HERE) for instructions regarding applying online. You will also have to complete an OSPRA 103 Packet to give consent to the NYSED to release your fingerprint clearance status to the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). This method takes approximately 3 weeks.
Please refer to the “Fingerprinting” sheet for more information.
Q: When should I take the
A: We recommend that you take/pass the LAST as early as possible. We recommend that you take/pass the ATS-W and CST once you have teaching or student teaching experience. You should have taken/passed all exams at least 4-6 weeks prior to your graduation date. Please note that exams are NOT given on a monthly basis. To register online or for more information, go to the NYSTCE website at: www.nystce.nesinc.com.
Q: Which ATS-W test should I take?
A: The Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W) has two levels: Elementary and secondary. If you are not sure of which assessment to take, visit the NYSED Search Certification Requirements.
Q: Can I take a teacher certification exam even if I am not in
A: Yes, NYSTCE exams are given in
Q: How can I prepare for the teacher certification exams?
A: LAST, ATS-W and several CST preparation guides are available in our
Q: Do I need to take the ATS-P (video)?
A:
Q: If I am not a
A: Certification makes you eligible to teach, but it does not supersede your visa status. You also need an appropriate work authorization to teach in the schools. One option for F-1 students is Optional Practical Training (OPT) which provides an employment authorization for a maximum of 12 months. See "F-1 Employment and Training" information at www.tc.columbia.edu/~international.
For information on work authorization sponsored by the NYC Dept. of Ed, contact the International Recruitment Office. Phone: (718) 935-5854.
Q: One of the requirements for Initial certification is the study of a foreign language. Does this mean college study? What about the language I took in high school?
A: There are several ways to satisfy this requirement:
Q: What are the different ways to get certified?
A: Students enrolled in an approved teacher preparation programs (list is available by clicking on the “Certification and Licensing” link on the left side) who have never taught before usually obtain initial certification via institutional recommendation. Others (except Childhood Ed (1-6) and School Building Leaders) may choose to follow the individual pathway. Please see the next question for more details.
Q: What is the difference between NYS- institutional recommendation (approved teacher preparation pathway) and individual evaluation pathway?
A: Institutional recommendation pathway is obtained when a student completes an approved teacher preparation program. If leading to initial teaching certification, it MUST include the student teaching component.
Individual transcript evaluation pathway is obtained if/when a student has taught at a private school but is not NYS-certified (initial/professional) and just needs to finish course requirements without having to student teach. Be mindful that when applying via the individual transcript evaluation, the student deals directly with the NYSED and that most likely the NYSED, when evaluating, will find deficiency(ies). Most importantly, when applying via the individual pathway there will be no institutional recommendation.
Q: What’s the difference between an initial certificate and a professional certificate?
A: INITIAL Certificate: The entry-level certificate for classroom teachers, issued in specific subject/grade titles, and the entry-level certificate for School Building Leader (SBL). The initial certificate is valid for 5 years and leads to professional certification.
Professional Certificate: The advanced-level certificate for classroom teachers (issued in specific subject/grade titles) and School Building Leaders. The professional certificate is continuously valid with completion of required professional development hours on a five-year professional development cycle.
Q: How do I get out of state reciprocity?
A:
Q: Where can I go for help with student teaching or certification procedures?
A: Please call OTE at 212.678.4057/3466 or email us at ote@tc.edu with questions. Feel free to visit our office in Russell Hall, Room 400 (4th floor of the library).
TC Receives a $9.75 Million Federal Grant to Create an Urban Teaching Residents Program
Teachers College is creating a new teacher residency program in which TC students apprentice for a year with experienced teachers in high-needs New York City public schools. A. Lin Goodwin (at left) secured a $9.75 million, five-year federal grant that will fund the Teaching Residents at Teachers College program (TR@TC- part of a broader effort to bring teacher education into the 21st century.
Zankel Fellowships Boost Urban Service at TC
Among President Susan Fuhrman's priorities for TC, two top the list: stepping up the College's already strong commitment to urban teaching and service, and boosting financial aid. The two are clearly linked, as financial burdens can force students -- either during or after their time at TC -- to seek the kinds of higher-paying jobs that aren't typically found in the city's neediest areas.
Teachers College educates across a broad range of fields, from policymaking to research to health care education. Still, the College's name continues to reflect its core expertise -- which is why TC recently created a stronger, more centralized Office of Teacher Education.