Educator Resources
Expedited Service Requests from School Districts
School districts may request expedited service for priority processing of certificate applications for candidates they are seeking to hire to fill vacant positions.
Expedited service is primarily intended for new hires; however requests for expedited service will also accepted for teachers holding a Provisional/Initial certificate who have applied for and are eligible for their Permanent/Professional certificate, or for applications for a Supplementary certificate.
Expedited requests are not available for part-time, per diem employment, adult education instructors or Teaching Assistants.
Request Procedure for New York City Schools
All requests for expedited service should be directed to the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) recruitment office.
Request Procedure for All Schools Outside New York City
- The Superintendent submits identifying information about the candidate to the Regional Certification Officer (RCO) of the local BOCES.
- The RCO reviews the available information (exam scores, workshops, fingerprint clearance) and submits a request for an expedited review of academic requirements by the Office of Teaching Initiatives.
- In instances in which the candidate files an application directly with the BOCES Office, the RCO evaluates the full application for all requirements. When that review indicates that the applicant has met all certification requirements, the RCO forwards a recommendation for expedited review to the Office of Teaching Initiatives.
- OTI staff expedite the review of certification applications upon a BOCES RCO request, usually within three to five business days, assuming that there are no unmet certification requirements.
Questions
Requests from Yonkers, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse and school districts that are not associated with a BOCES Regional Office, as well as questions about this process, should be directed to Mr. Bruce Robinson in the Office of Teaching Initiatives at wrobinso@mail.nysed.gov .
More Information
See memo, Expedited Service Procedures for School Districts, from Robert Bentley, July 2006.