Incentive Programs

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.

Please visit Special Education Certification Program for more details.

Subsidized Bilingual Extension Program

If you are fluent in another language, but do not possess a Bilingual Extension to your teaching certificate(s) from the New York State Department of Education, you may be eligible to participate in the Subsidized Bilingual Extension Program. This program allows teachers to immediately begin teaching bilingual classes at a school while completing coursework at a partnering university. Pending successful completion of the program, all costs are subsidized by the New York City Department of Education. Please visit the Teacher Page for more information.

Teachers of Tomorrow (TOT)

In recognition of the demands of teaching in our highest-need schools, the New York City Department of Education offers financial incentives to teachers who take on challenging assignments.  Teachers of Tomorrow is a state-funded grant intended to provide recruitment incentives (TOT1) and tuition reimbursement (TOT2) to teachers working in the City’s highest need schools.  If you are currently teaching in a NYC district school, you may be eligible for a TOT award.

Learn more and check your eligibility status for both programs:

TOT1 Recruitment Incentive program available to newly hired teachers 

TOT2 Tuition Reimbursement program available to incumbent teachers

To verify participating locations, please review the current list of 2011-2012 TOT schools.

Please note: The availability of Teachers of Tomorrow programs is contingent upon funding by the New York State Education Department each year. Current year eligibility or prior year participation in the program does not guarantee an award.

Lead Teacher Program

The Lead Teacher Program offers the strongest teachers the opportunity to take on a leadership role either within their school or in a new one. Lead Teachers spend 50% of their time in the classroom and the remaining 50% of their time providing professional development and support to teachers. The application for the 2013-2014 school year is now closed.

To learn more about the program, visit the NYC Department of Education Teacher Page.