New York City (NYC): A Guide for Foreign Teachers
If you’re a foreign teacher with 5 or more years of teaching experience, you can pursue a rewarding career in the New York City Public School system.
DISCLAIMER: The information offered here in this post is “basic” at best! Always do YOUR OWN [further] reading and research to make plans and take action that best suits YOUR personal, professional, financial, immigration, etc. needs.
Requirements for Foreign Teachers
If you’re a foreign teacher with 5 or more years of teaching experience, you can pursue a rewarding career in the New York City (NYC) Public School system. Here are the basic eligibility requirements:
Certification Pathways:
Endorsement of a Classroom Teaching Certificate: You must have a valid, comparable teaching certificate from another U.S. state or territory and at least three years of certified public school teaching experience in the subject you’re applying for.
Completion of a College Teacher Education Program: If you completed an approved teacher preparation program from an accredited college or university in another U.S. state or territory, you can apply for certification.
Individual Evaluation: If neither of the above pathways applies, you can submit your credentials to New York State for evaluation1.
Foreign Credential Evaluation:
Create a TEACH account and obtain a TEACH Access Number.
Research the requirements for the specific certificate you’re interested in.
Apply for the certificate through your TEACH account.
Have your foreign credential report submitted directly by an acceptable organization. The report should include identifying information and an equivalency report (listing institutions attended, program length, dates of attendance, degrees awarded, course titles, and GPA)2.
Special Education Certification:
Special education teachers can teach additional grade levels and subject areas with extensions.
Effective July 1, 2021, special education teachers in grades 7-12 must be certified in each subject area they teach or meet specific teaching experience requirements3.
Benefits and Pay
Starting Salaries: As of January 2024, starting salaries range from $64,789 (bachelor’s degree, no prior teaching experience) to $89,085 (master’s degree, 8 years teaching experience, potentially additional coursework)4.
Pensions and Compensation Plans: Almost 135,000 people work full-time in NYC’s public school system. While specific details vary, here are some key points:
Pension System: The NYC Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) manages pensions for educators. Visit the BERS website for more information5.
Health Benefits: NYC offers comprehensive health benefits to employees.
Salary Credit for Prior Experience: Teachers may receive credit for prior non-teaching experience when determining their salary.
Professional Development Opportunities: NYC provides ongoing professional development for teachers.
Advantages of Teaching and Living in NYC vs. Other Upstate Cities
Compared to other major cities like Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse, NYC offers unique advantages:
Cultural Diversity: NYC is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and experiences.
Career Opportunities: NYC has a robust job market, including opportunities beyond teaching.
World-Class Arts and Entertainment: Broadway shows, museums, galleries, and music venues abound.
Public Transportation: Extensive subway and bus networks make commuting easier.
Food and Dining: NYC offers diverse culinary experiences.
Networking and Professional Growth: Connect with educators, artists, and professionals from various fields.
Foreign Credential Evaluation Restrictions
New York State requires foreign credential reports submitted directly by acceptable organizations.
The Office of Teaching Initiatives does not process salary differential requests based on foreign credentials.
United States citizenship or legal immigration status is required for Permanent and Professional Certification.
For specific evaluation requirements, visit the NYSED Evaluation of Foreign Credentials page2.
Remember, teaching in NYC is both challenging and rewarding. Explore the official resources provided by the New York State Education Department to embark on your teaching journey in the city that never sleeps!