SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

For Elementary & Secondary Teachers in Excess

If you are an elementary or secondary teacher in excess who is interested in teaching special education full-time this fall, you may be eligible to join the Special Education Certification program. The NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE) partners with a local institution of higher education to offer this subsidized, one-year certification program to current elementary and secondary teachers in excess. Eligible candidates will have the opportunity to teach special education while working towards earning an Initial certification in Students with Disabilities for Grades 1-6 or Students with Disabilities Generalist Grades 7-12.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

• One-year program offered in cohort model
• 15-18 maximum credits, subsidized by the NYC DOE
• Coursework meets twice during weekday evenings
• University field consultant
  
  

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

In order to apply, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be an elementary  or secondary educator in excess who is interested in teaching students with special needs
• Hold a Master's in Elementary Education or Adolescence Education in a Secondary Content area and have graduated with at least a 2.75 GPA
• Hold a Childhood Grades 1-6 or Secondary Content area Initial, Permanent, Professional or Provisional NYS Certificate
• Complete all of the following by August 31, 2012:

1. Secure a full-time elementary or secondary special education position
2. Fax a Hiring Commitment Form, signed by the hiring principal, to (718) 935-2417, ATTN: Special Education Certification Program
3. Complete a Special Education Certification Basic Info Form, and submit a copy of your current resume.

*After completing steps 1-3, candidates will receive university application instructions from our office.

GETTING CERTIFIED - UNIVERSITY COURSEWORK

In order to receive the Supplemental certificate in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6, participants must take graduate level special education coursework while concurrently teaching in an elementary/secondary special education classroom. The NYCDOE will subsidize the cost of tuition for the 18 maximum credits of required coursework for candidates who meet program requirements.  This subsidy is contingent upon participants earning satisfactory ratings throughout the completion of the program.

Participants attend university courses twice during weekday evenings for one year.  Courses are offered via a cohort model, which provides additional support to individuals in the program. During the program, candidates will be observed by Adelphi field consultants who will provide feedback and a final evaluation. The field consultant will work collaboratively with your school- appointed mentor as a conduit for your ongoing school-based professional development.  

After completing coursework, teachers will have met the requirements for an Initial certificate in Students with Disabilities, Grades 1 -6 or 7-12. To earn Initial certification in this area, teachers will also be required to register and pass required NYS exams and attend additional workshops on working with students on the autism spectrum at their own expense.  Applications for the Supplemental and Initial certificates are $100 each, and the autism workshop is available through the UFT for no fee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We encourage you to read our Frequently Asked Questions for additional information about the Special Education Certification program.   Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at thsc@schools.nyc.gov and enter "Special Education Certification program" as the subject of your email.