Are you a dedicated paraprofessional within the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) dreaming of advancing your career in education and earning your bachelor’s degree? The Career Training Program (CTP) is your pathway to achieving this goal. This comprehensive program is specifically designed for eligible UFT paraprofessionals, providing tuition assistance and support to pursue undergraduate studies at participating colleges and universities.
The CTP is more than just financial aid; it’s an investment in your future. It empowers you to take the next step in your educational journey while continuing to contribute your valuable skills and experience to the NYCPS. By participating in the CTP, you can gain the qualifications and credentials needed to further your career within the education system.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the Career Training Program, including eligibility requirements, financial aid information, the application process, and other related professional development opportunities available to NYCPS paraprofessionals.
Is the Career Training Program Right for You? Eligibility Criteria
To determine if you qualify for this transformative opportunity, review the eligibility criteria for the CTP Program:
- Full-Time Paraprofessional Status: You must be a full-time paraprofessional currently employed in a NYC public school.
- No Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants should not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree. The CTP is designed to support paraprofessionals in obtaining their first bachelor’s degree.
- Payroll Status: You must be officially payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional when you apply and maintain this status throughout the application school year.
- Matriculation Requirement: You must demonstrate proof of mandatory matriculation into a degree-bearing program after accumulating 45 credits. This ensures the program supports focused academic progress.
- Exclusion of Substitute Paraprofessionals: Substitute paraprofessionals are not eligible for CTP participation.
- Credit Limit: The Career Training Program covers up to 120 credits towards your first bachelor’s degree. Exceptions to this credit limit are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. It’s important to note that this 120-credit limit includes any transfer credits or credits earned before joining the program. If you are starting your degree journey, the program can cover up to 120 credits. If you already have some college credits, the program will cover the remaining credits up to the 120-credit maximum.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for program eligibility.
- Maintaining Academic Standards: Participants must maintain a minimum “C” grade point average (2.0) to remain eligible for the CTP Voucher throughout their program participation. Falling below this GPA will result in ineligibility.
- Course Grade Policy: The NYC Public Schools will not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. Participants are financially responsible for these courses.
- Financial Responsibility: Paraprofessionals who become ineligible for the Career Training Program are responsible for all subsequent course credits, tuition, and associated fees.
Financial Support and Release Time for CTP Participants
The Career Training Program is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for paraprofessionals. Here’s how the program provides financial and time-based support:
Tuition Coverage and Financial Aid
The CTP primarily focuses on tuition coverage. Financial aid options play a crucial role in maximizing the program’s benefits:
- Leveraging Federal and State Aid: The program encourages participants to utilize Federal Pell Grants and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants. These financial aid sources can significantly reduce out-of-pocket tuition expenses.
- NYCPS Billing for Remaining Tuition: After Federal and State aid are applied, the participating college or university will bill the NYC Public Schools for the remaining tuition balance covered by the CTP.
- Expenses Not Covered: It’s important to be aware that the NYCPS does not cover course materials, textbooks, or any fees beyond tuition. This includes activity fees, application fees, technology fees, and other miscellaneous university charges. These costs are the responsibility of the paraprofessional.
Release Time for Study
Recognizing the demands of balancing work and study, the CTP offers release time to support academic success:
- Study Release Time: Program participants enrolled in five (5) or more credit hours per semester are eligible for two and a half (2.5) hours of release time per week. This dedicated time allows you to focus on coursework, study, and assignments during your work week.
Summer Stipend Opportunity
Further supporting your educational journey, a Summer Stipend is available:
- Summer Study Support: Eligible paraprofessionals can apply for a Summer Stipend to provide financial assistance during summer study periods, helping to accelerate degree completion. More details about the Summer Stipend can be found on the Summer Stipend Fact Sheet.
Application Process and Important Deadlines
Applying for the Career Training Program is a straightforward process. However, adhering to application deadlines is crucial:
-
Application Submission per Semester: A separate application must be submitted for each semester (fall, spring, and summer) you wish to receive CTP benefits. Vouchers are semester-specific and cannot be rolled over to previous or future semesters.
-
Application Availability Windows:
- Fall Semester: May 1st through June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st through October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st through March 31st
-
NYCPS Email Address Requirement: To ensure timely communication and voucher delivery, applicants must use their official NYCPS email address when applying. Personal email addresses from other domains are no longer accepted by the Teacher Support Network (TSN) system.
-
Confirmation and Voucher Delivery: Expect to receive an email confirmation within 24-48 hours after submitting your Career Training Program application.
-
Application Confirmation is Key: If you do not receive an email confirmation, your application was not successfully submitted, and you will need to re-apply.
-
Voucher College/University Change: If you need to update the college or university name on your voucher, you must download and submit the “CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form” (available in the resources section below). Allow 48 hours for processing your request.
Ready to Apply? Accessing the CTP Application and Resources
Take the first step towards your bachelor’s degree by applying for the Career Training Program today!
For detailed guidance through the application process, refer to the CTP Application Guide.
Essential CTP Resources at Your Fingertips
To further assist you, a range of helpful documents and resources are readily available:
- CTP Fact Sheet: Click Here
- CTP FAQ Document: Click Here
- CTP UFT Paraprofessional Release Time Memo: Click Here
- CTP DC-37 Paraprofessional Release Time Memo: Click Here
- CTP Brochure: Click Here
- Approved Colleges and Universities: Click Here
- Summer Stipend Fact Sheet: Click Here
- Summer Stipend Application: Click Here
- CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form: Click Here
- CTP Sample Confirmation Email: Click Here
Explore Further Career Advancement Programs for Paraprofessionals
The NYCPS is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of its paraprofessionals. Beyond the Career Training Program, several other initiatives are available to help you advance your career in education:
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program
For paraprofessionals enrolled in teacher certification programs, the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program offers a valuable opportunity to fulfill student teaching requirements:
-
Paid Leave for Student Teaching: Eligible paraprofessionals can receive up to 40 days of paid leave to complete their student teaching, a crucial step towards teacher certification.
-
Limited Availability: The number of leaves granted per year is limited (capped at 100 annually, 50 per semester). Application and approval are required before commencing the leave.
-
Eligibility Requirements:
- Full-time, active paraprofessional with at least one full school year of service.
- Payroll status maintained at application and throughout the school year.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA in their program of study.
- Enrollment in a NYSED-approved teacher certification program (online and out-of-state programs have specific NYSED approval requirements).
- Categorization into one of three eligibility categories (A, B, or C) based on their education and certification status (details in the program overview document).
-
Application and Restrictions:
- Deadlines: Fall application (July 1st – October 1st), Spring application (December 1st – March 1st).
- Document Submission: All required documents must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the requested leave date.
- Limited Application: Applicants can only apply to this program once.
- Leave Purpose: Leave is specifically for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification and not for non-teaching positions.
-
APPLY HERE for Student Teaching Leave of Absence (Check application availability periods)
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
This program provides financial assistance for paraprofessionals pursuing graduate degrees in education:
-
Graduate Credit Reimbursement: NYCPS will reimburse up to 12 graduate credits for eligible paraprofessionals enrolled in graduate education programs leading to teacher certification.
-
Eligibility Criteria:
- Matriculation in a NYS-approved graduate education program.
- Completion of at least 12 graduate credits.
- Minimum one full year of paid experience as a NYCPS paraprofessional.
- Payroll status maintained at application and throughout the school year.
- Coursework must be part of a master’s degree in a classroom teaching discipline leading to NYS certification.
- Passing grade of “B” or better required for reimbursement.
-
Restrictions:
- Reimbursement at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- Programs for non-teaching disciplines (counseling, psychology, etc.) are ineligible.
- Pre-requisite courses are not reimbursable.
- Reimbursement is only for courses required for initial certification.
-
Application Availability: Annually, February 1st – March 31st.
-
Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
To alleviate the financial burden of certification exams, this program offers reimbursement for testing fees:
-
Certification Test Fee Reimbursement: NYCPS offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400 for state teacher certificate application and NYS certification examinations.
-
Eligibility:
- NYS teacher certification attained on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Receipts for NYS Examinations and NYS Teacher Application.
- Reimbursement request must be within one year of certification.
-
Application Availability: Annually, March 1st – April 30th.
-
Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview
-
Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) Positions
For experienced paraprofessionals with a bachelor’s degree, the LTA/BLTA positions offer enhanced classroom roles and compensation:
-
Enhanced Classroom Role: LTAs and BLTAs are annual positions for full-time paraprofessionals, allowing for more diverse classroom support under teacher supervision. This role enhances skills and provides a pathway to a teaching career.
-
Additional Compensation: Eligible paraprofessionals in LTA/BLTA positions receive extra compensation (up to $5,000 annually).
-
Eligibility Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
- Active NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III).
- One year of full-time paraprofessional service at NYCDOE.
- Satisfactory attendance and punctuality record.
- Bilingual LTA applicants must demonstrate fluency in the required language.
-
Application Availability: Annually, January 1st – March 31st.
Take the Next Step in Your Education Career
The NYCPS Paraprofessional Career Training Program and related initiatives represent a significant investment in the professional development of paraprofessionals. By leveraging these opportunities, you can gain new skills, advance your education, and make an even greater impact on the lives of NYC public school students. Explore the programs that align with your career goals and take the next step towards a brighter future in education.
For any further questions or assistance, please contact the relevant program email addresses or call (718) 935-2449. For CTP-specific inquiries, email [email protected]. For Student Teaching Leave, Graduate Reimbursement, and Certification Reimbursement, email [email protected]. For LTA/BLTA positions, email [email protected].
