Teachers’ retirement, rising student populations, and persistent shortages in high-need subjects. About 35% of teachers in New York State will be eligible for retirement within five years. The influx of immigrants is among the reasons for the rising student population.
There are now 18 identified shortage areas, up from just three areas 30 years ago. These include science, special education, and bilingual education.
As a result, there’s a rising interest in accelerated teaching degree programs in New York. Many of the best programs are available at accredited nonprofit colleges.
Students in these programs prepare for success through rigorous coursework and practical experience. Of course, these programs feature curriculum aligned with state certification standards.
So, are you interested in fast-track teaching degrees NY schools offer? If you are, read on. We’ll cover five of the best accelerated teaching degree programs in New York. Next, we’ll discuss common eligibility requirements, financial aid, and licensing and certification.
Related:
- 5 Key Requirements for Entering an Accelerated Education Degree Program
- Fast-Track to the Classroom: The Rise of Accelerated Education Degrees
- Top Affordable Master’s in Online Teaching
- Top 5 Reasons to Choose an Accelerated Education Degree
What Are Accelerated Teaching Degree Programs?
These programs have these main traits:
- Condensed curriculum that includes didactic coursework and teaching experiences. Expect fast-paced, intensive, and demanding coursework.
- Shortened time-to-completion, usually 2 years or less. It’s four years for traditional programs.
- Evening, weekend, and online classes are common. Working professionals can then attend classes despite their busy schedules.
Accelerated teaching degree programs in New York offer many benefits, including:
- Faster graduation and entry into the teaching profession
- Flexible scheduling that results in good work-life balance
- Cost savings, thanks to fewer semesters
- Career change-friendly
Interested individuals can choose from three main types.
- Bachelor’s degree completion programs
- Master’s degree programs with initial teacher certification
- Certificate programs for aspiring teachers with a bachelor’s degree
Why Choose an Accelerated Program in New York?
First, there is a state-specific demand for educators in both urban and rural areas. More than 180,000 new teachers are needed in the next decade. You can be part of the solution to teacher shortages.
Second, the NYSED created Alternative Teacher Preparation (ATP) programs to address this issue as well. You can get your teaching certification more quickly and enter high-need areas.
Third, financial aid, including tuition support, is available. Federal and state aid, as well as scholarships and grants, are yours to take advantage of.
Fourth, there are job opportunities in high-need areas. STEM, bilingual education, and special education are among these areas. Check out programs offering online teaching degrees New York has to offer. Many offer education and training for these high-need areas.
Online and Hybrid Options in New York
If you’re a non-traditional student, you may want to consider online and hybrid programs. These offer many advantages, including:
- Flexible scheduling via asynchronous classes
- Better access for students across the state, even in rural and underserved areas
- Convenience, thanks to the anywhere, anytime format
Check out these universities for their online and hybrid programs.
- Adelphi University
- NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
- Hunter College – School of Education
- SUNY Empire State College
- Manhattanville College
These colleges are approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Many also have CAEP programmatic accreditation. These are crucial for educational quality, access to federal aid, and teacher certification.
Top Nonprofit Colleges Offering Accelerated Teaching Degrees in NY
CUNY Lehman College
The public college offers an accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program with initial certification. This is among the teaching certification programs New York has to offer, suitable for recent graduates and career changers.
- Program Length: About 12–18 months, depending on your prior qualifications and course load.
- Format: Hybrid format with online coursework and in-person student teaching experiences.
- Focus Areas: Middle and high school education with specializations in Mathematics, Science, and English.
- Accreditation: NYSED and CAEP
Fordham University
The private Jesuit research university is known for its NY accelerated education degrees. Career changers agree that its hybrid teaching programs suit their needs well.
Fordham’s Accelerated Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) program is also popular. You can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.
- Program Length: About 5 years
- Format: Hybrid with online courses and in-person student teaching
- Focus Areas: Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, and Adolescence Education, among others.
- Accreditation: NYSED and CAEP
SUNY Empire State College
SUNY Empire offers alternative teacher certification NY residents love.
- Program Length: Approximately 2–3 years (part-time)
- Format: Hybrid with online coursework and in-person teaching experiences
- Focus Areas: Middle and high school certification in various subjects (e.g., Math, Biology, and Chemistry)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Check out its online MAT program, with two primary pathways:
- Transitional B Certification Pathway
- Clinically Rich Residency Pathway
Bank Street College of Education
The BSCE is widely regarded as one of the best teaching colleges in New York. Its accelerated master’s degree for early childhood and elementary programs makes it to the list.
- Program Length: 1.5-2 years, depending on your course load
- Format: On-campus coursework and fieldwork. Online components may be available.
- Focus Areas: Early Childhood General Education, Childhood General Education, and Special and General Education Dual Certification, among others.
- Accreditation: MSCHE and AAQEP
Common Program Requirements and Eligibility
Nonprofit education programs NY has to offer have specific eligibility requirements. But these are the common ones you’ll find in most programs.
- College credits for degree completion programs. A bachelor’s degree in any or specific fields for master’s degree programs.
- Minimum GPA requirements (e.g., 2.5-3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- NY state fingerprinting and background check
- Prerequisites like general education courses or teaching assistant experience
Licensing and Certification Pathways in New York
Teacher preparation programs New York offers must align with its teacher certification standards. The New York State Education Department (NYSED), through its Office of Teaching Initiatives, oversees the process.
New York has a two-tier teacher certification system.
- The five-year Initial Certification is for new teachers.
- The five-year Professional Certification requires the completion of 100 CTLE hours, among others.
The Professional Certification leads to the Permanent Certification (i.e., valid for life). Relevant work experience and a master’s degree are required.
Accelerated programs are designed to meet the Initial Certification requirements. Alternative certification programs are designed for non-traditional students, including those who are career changers. Examples include NYC Teaching Fellows and Transitional B and C programs.
Candidates for teacher certification must create a TEACH account on the New York State Education Department (NYSED) website. Note the required exams, such as EAS, CST, and edTPA. Be sure to complete a mentored teaching period, too.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Explore your options in financial aid to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- Federal aid, including TEACH grants (i.e., up to $4,000/year), should be your first option. File your complete and accurate FAFSA, preferably before the deadline.
- The New York Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) offers need-based grants to eligible residents.
- The NYS Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program provides financial relief of up to $20,000 total.
- Scholarships from charitable foundations and nonprofits are great options, too. Check out the NYS Math & Science Teaching Incentive Program.
Career Outlook and Salaries for New York Teachers
Again, New York needs more than 180,000 new teachers to fill vacant posts in the next decade. High-need areas include science and mathematics, physical fitness, and early childhood education. New York City has teacher shortages in special education and foreign languages.
Average starting teacher salary in New York is $49,315/year (2024) (i.e., #11 nationwide). Statewide, the average teacher salary was $92,696 per year (i.e., #2 in the US). In New York City, the average teacher salary is $64,789 per year.
Teachers with certifications and advanced degrees also earn higher salaries. Teachers with master’s degrees earn about 20% more than those with only bachelor’s degrees.
Incentives are also possible for teachers who:
- Earn the National Board Certification
- Teach in public charter schools and high-need districts
Tips for Choosing the Right Program
- Consider the accreditation, student support services, and alumni success. Look for NYSED approval and, if possible, CAEP accreditation.
- Check the clinical experience and residency opportunities. The hands-on practice is a must for teacher certification purposes.
- Consider the flexibility of schedule, especially if you’re a parent or working professional.
- Look at the job placement rates and certification pass rates. These outcomes signal the effective education and training students receive.
Conclusion
Accelerated teaching programs in New York offer a quicker route to becoming a licensed teacher. But just because it’s a quicker route doesn’t mean it’s easier. The condensed curriculum means more intensive, fast-paced, and demanding coursework.
Once you’re a licensed teacher in New York, you’ll love the benefits that come with it. New York State offers better salaries for its teachers, among others.
But earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree in education isn’t cheap. You must explore nonprofit, accredited programs and their financial aid options.
Start researching these programs. Reach out to the universities that offer them. Take these first steps toward a rewarding teaching career in New York now.
