Important TEACH Information for College Students and Recent College Graduates

College Students and Graduates

1. I’m confused. What does “pathway to certification” mean and how do I select the right one?
   
   
2. What does it mean to apply for certification through an “approved teacher preparation program”?
   
   
3. What do I need to do to apply for certification if I am enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program?
   
   
4. I checked the IRP and I'm enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program through my college, but I haven't completed it yet. Can I apply now?
   
   
5. I'm in a hurry to get my certification and find a job. Will I get certified faster if I apply now on-line using the Individual Evaluation pathway and then apply later through my college using the Approved Teacher Preparation Program pathway?
   
   
6. Oops! I just applied using the Individual Evaluation pathway. Now I realize that I completed an approved teacher preparation program at my college. What can I do?
   
   
7. How fast will my "college recommended” application be processed?
   
   
8. Are there any advantages for individuals who apply for certification using the Individual Evaluation pathway?
   
   
9. If I’m not enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program, how do I apply through Individual Evaluation?
   
   
10. I did not complete an approved teacher preparation program in college. How can I be sure of the requirements for certification?
    
    
11. I attended college several years ago and recently completed additional coursework at a college with approved teacher preparation programs. Can I apply through this college now for a college recommendation?

1. I’m confused. What does “pathway to certification” mean and how do I select the right one?
   
   There are a number of ways to obtain certification in New York State, depending upon your credentials and preferences.  See Pathways to Certification for a description of each. Another helpful feature on our web site is "Which Pathway is Right for Me?" , which matches types of candidates (such as college graduates, career changers, out-of-state applicants, etc.) with the pathways available to each.
   
2. What does it mean to apply for certification through an “approved teacher preparation program”?
   
   Graduation from an “approved teacher preparation program” offered by a New York State college or university allows an individual to apply through the Approved Program pathway. (If you’re not sure whether or not your program is approved, check the Inventory of Registered Programs (IRP), a database of all registered programs offered by New York State higher education institutions, and search for programs leading to teacher certification.) Some of the distinctions between these two pathways are displayed below:
   
   

   Approved Program-- “College Recommended”	Other College Preparation
   College recommends candidate for certification through Approved Program pathway	Candidate applies for certification through Individual Evaluation pathway
   Program completion accepted as satisfying all educational requirements, including required workshops.	Candidates’ credentials (including college transcripts) are evaluated against requirements. See Search Certification Requirements.
   Application processing is faster due to recommendation by the college.	Application processing is slower due to need for evaluation by Certification Specialist of college transcripts and other documents.
   Application cost: $50	Application cost: $100

   
   
3. What do I need to do to apply for certification if I am enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program?
   
   Applying for certification through the approved teacher preparation program pathway is easy. Once you've completed your program, see your college certification officer. He/she will enter a recommendation for certification through TEACH Online Services. In addition, you must create your own  account by registering through TEACH Online Services, and must submit your online application using the information in the Student Application Information Sheet that your certification officer will provide.
   
   
4. I checked the IRP and I'm enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program through my college, but I haven't completed it yet. Can I apply now?
   
   No. You should speak with your college advisor and college certification officer to make sure you understand all the steps required to successfully complete the college program, as well as satisfy the other requirements for a certificate, such as the certification examinations and fingerprinting.  You will then be poised to apply for certification immediately upon program completion. It is CRITICAL that you meet first with your college advisors, obtain and follow the steps on the Student Application Information Sheet and apply according to your college’s procedures.
   
   
5. I'm in a hurry to get my certification and find a job. Will I get certified faster if I apply now on-line using the Individual Evaluation pathway and then apply later through my college using the Approved Teacher Preparation Program pathway?
   
   No. This approach will require extra review and communication time for your application to be correctly sorted for appropriate certificate processing and issuance. Instead, speak with your college certification officer before you take any application steps.
   
   
6. Oops! I just applied using the Individual Evaluation pathway. Now I realize that I completed an approved teacher preparation program at my college. What can I do?
   
   Speak with your college certification officer and then take the appropriate steps.
   
   
7. How fast will my "college recommended” application be processed?
   
   That depends on the type of certificate you are applying for - Initial or Professional.
   
   If you are completing a NYS teacher preparation program leading to an Initial certificate, and apply through TEACH Online Services, your application can be processed and your certificate issued in as little as one or two business days after we receive your college's recommendation. Of course, this assumes that all other requirements have been met and recorded in your TEACH account, such as passing scores on the certification exams and a fingerprint clearance, and that your application fee has been paid online.
   
   If you are completing a NYS teacher preparation program leading to a Professional or Permanent certificate, and apply through TEACH Online Services, your application can be reviewed and your certificate issued in two to four weeks. Of course, this assumes that all other requirements have been met and recorded in your TEACH account, such as satisfaction of the mentoring requirement and/or the required professional teaching experience, and that your application fee has been paid online. The longer processing time for a Professional or Permanent certificate is due to the fact that a Certification Specialist must evaluate these records.
   
   
   
8. Are there any advantages for individuals who apply for certification using the Individual Evaluation pathway?
   
   While there are several advantages to applying through the Approved Teacher Education Program pathway, it is not for everyone. The Individual Evaluation pathway was designed to allow individuals with relevant college coursework to obtain New York State certification by meeting the prescribed requirements or “competencies”. Note: the Individual Evaluation pathway for a first classroom teaching certificate is not available for the Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) certificate and is available in the other classroom teaching titles only until February 1, 2009.
   
   Effective September 1, 2007, the Individual Evaluation pathway will no longer be available for the school leadership certificates.
   
   
9. If I’m not enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program, how do I apply through Individual Evaluation?
   
   Submit your application online using TEACH Online Services and pay the fee, send us your original transcripts, workshop verification, and file your fingerprint application, cards, and fee if you have not already recieved clearence. Make sure you have completed all requirements for the certificate. Please note that your application will not be evaluated until we have received all required original college transcripts.
   
   
10. I did not complete an approved teacher preparation program in college. How can I be sure of the requirements for certification?
    
    See Search Certification Requirements, a feature on our Web site that lists the specific requirements for every certificate title, and also lists all of the pathways available to obtain that certificate.
    
    
11. I attended college several years ago and recently completed additional coursework at a college with approved teacher preparation programs. Can I apply through this college now for a college recommendation?
    
    Probably not, if you did not complete the entire program. However, to be sure, you should speak with your college’s certification officer.