Once you’ve earned your initial teaching certificate, professional certification is the next step. But reaching this milestone requires a return to the classroom — this time as a graduate student.
You have five years to earn your master’s degree after qualifying for your initial certificate.
Professional certification will also require you to have at least three years’ teaching experience in your certification area and one year of mentored teaching. Once these qualifications are met, you’re ready to apply to NYSED for professional certification.
Mentored teaching
New initial certificate holders must receive mentoring from an experienced teacher in their first year, to help them improve their teaching skills and transition into their first professional public school teaching experience. A mentor’s primary role is to provide the new teacher with guidance and support. Mentoring activities may include planning, observation, advisement and skills assessment.
Mentoring programs are locally designed and can vary greatly between schools and in teaching contexts.