New York state will need 180,000 new teachers over the next decade to meet its needs, according to Angela Pagano, New York state's senior vice chancellor for educator training and partnerships. State University of New York system.
“There are several reasons for the teacher shortage, including retirements (one in three teachers here could retire in the next five years) and teachers quitting due to stress and low morale after the pandemic,” she said.
Subjects with high need across the state include science, technology, engineering, math, early childhood education, health and physical fitness.
Spanish/Foreign Language, Bilingual Education/ESL, and Special Education teachers are also in high demand in New York City.
For those considering a career change into teaching, there are numerous teacher education programs and support pipelines to facilitate the transition.
The majority of New York City's 8.4 million residents are people of color. A man from NYC teaches The program was launched in partnership with the Young Men's Initiative, the City University of New York's School of Education and the Center for Economic Opportunity.
Their goal is to recruit and unite Black, Latino and Asian men who are passionate about educating today's diverse student population.
Armando Cosme, 29, of Jersey City, was one of those new recruits, eager to join the teaching profession to better represent diversity in classrooms across the tri-state area.
In 2013, Cosme realized his dream of becoming an actor was not going to happen and discovered that there was a high demand for teachers, especially math specialists. With experience as a private tutor, Cosme was keen to switch to teaching.
“When I was in high school, I helped my cousin, who wasn't good at studying, pass her math exam,” he said.
“I worked hard with her and encouraged her. I felt like I could do this full time.”
Cosme first earned an Associate's Degree in Mathematics from Manhattan Community College, then completed a tutoring course at the same college to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics Education, which introduced him to NYC Men Teach.
They helped with coursework and certification exam preparation and offered workshops addressing culturally competent teaching, classroom management and supporting special education students.
“I ended up teaching at my cram school, Science Skills Center High School, in Brooklyn,” Cosme said.
He is currently a high school geometry and AP Calculus math teacher for seven years.
“The events and keynote speakers that NYC Men Teach puts together are amazing, and the program grows every year,” said Cosme, who is happy with his job change.
“Having a teacher in the classroom who matches the student's appearance is important. It's easier for students to connect, they feel more familiar, and they're more open to discussing issues of diversity in America,” Cosme said.
According to the SUNY, traditionally, to earn teaching certification one must have completed four years of undergraduate study, a two-year preparatory program for graduate school, or an approved university-accredited program leading to teaching certification.
Another option is to have an individual transcript evaluation.
Through this New York State Department of Education The process allows you to apply for various levels of certificates including areas of interest such as coach, classroom teacher, school administrator, teaching assistant, student personnel services, and more.
Alternatively, if you have a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue an approved and registered alternative teacher training program offered by an institution of higher education.
Other special programs include Teach for Americais an organization that recruits and develops leaders for 250 urban and rural communities across the country.
Teaching in a high-needs school and becoming a lifelong teacher is a two-year commitment.
Additional entry point programs for career changers include: Teach NYCis a centralized application and screening portal, “where people can go into the system, see jobs and apply,” Ashley Thompson said. City University of New YorkDean of the College of Education at the University.
“There's a wide variety of schools and needs, so there's lots of opportunity to find the school that's best for you.”
Another route is NYC Teaching Fellowsis a program that allows people to work as teachers while earning a master's in education. Partnering with New York City public schools, “career changers take courses over the summer and begin teaching in real classrooms in New York City the following September. While teaching full-time, they continue their college work at a partner university, earning their master's degree at the same time. It's a different type of entry point for adults with some work experience.”
A new statewide initiative was launched in March of this year in partnership with the New York State Department of Education.
Teaching in New York We offer free career advice from coaches, step-by-step certification guides, teacher exam preparation, financial assistance for training, and assistance applying for teacher training programs and jobs.
Gary Crump, 61, grew up in the South Bronx and left the legal profession to work as a social studies teacher for grades 5-12 in Buffalo Public Schools.
Crump, who worked as a paralegal for a large Manhattan law firm, was ultimately inspired by a client her firm represented.
“Ten years ago, our lawyers were defending three key gang members,” he said.
“They were convicted and sentenced to 50 to 70 years in prison. They were from the housing projects in the area where I grew up. I decided I needed to do more and make an impact, so I started considering becoming a teacher.”
The clamp is University at Buffalo Teacher Training Program.
The one-year paid training includes specialist qualifications in early childhood and adolescent education, as well as English for speakers of other languages.
“It's a lot of work – writing papers, planning lessons, learning from mentors,” he said.
“A big attraction of this program was the partnership with the Buffalo Public School system. We knew we would be able to work as classroom teachers immediately after graduation.”
For others, an inner calling is enough of a driving force to turn to teaching.
Denise Granditz, then in her 30s, was working as a medical assistant in Buffalo when she decided to pursue a career in teaching.
“My boss at the time encouraged me to get a higher degree. I was really touched that someone saw something bigger in me,” Granditz said.
Granditz completed her online Bachelor of Arts degree at Empire State College, State University of New York, and then went on to earn a Master's in Education.
Although it is a difficult job, “making a difference in children's lives and guiding them through difficult times is what motivates me,” she said.
“I have an obligation to give back to this community. Helping young people realize their potential is the best way we can do that. That's why I came here.”
