Why teach in New York State?
In New York, more than one-third of teachers are nearing retirement and within the next 10 years, New York will need more than 180,000 new teachers.
New York teachers enjoy great benefits and competitive compensation, financial security and a retirement pension through the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, and an academic calendar that promotes work-life balance.
How can you become a teacher in New York State?
There are many ways to become a certified teacher in New York State, but the most common pathway to teaching is:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in teaching (teacher preparation program)
- Pass the certification exams
- Complete a minimum of 40 days of student teaching with a certified mentor
- Receive fingerprint clearance from the state
- Apply for and get initial certification
However, it’s important to note that just because this is the most common path, does not mean it’s the only path.
Is a bachelor’s degree in education required to become a teacher?
To teach in New York, you must hold a bachelor's degree and complete a teacher preparation program to pass the state certification exams. However, a bachelor’s degree in education is not required to become a teacher. If you have already completed a bachelor's degree in a non-education field, you can achieve an initial teaching certification through a master’s program. A master’s degree in an education field can take anywhere from 1-2 years to complete.
The following programs offered within the School of Education & Human Services (SEHS) at Canisius are ideal if you want to pursue teaching after completing a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field:
Master’s In Teaching Programs at Canisius
The Master’s in Education programs at Canisius have been ranked nationally in the top 100 as well as No.1 in Western New York and No.4 in New York State by the U.S. News and World Report 2024 for the Best Online Master’s in Education Programs.
Adolescence Education
The Master’s in Adolescence Education is a 1-2 year, in-person graduate program that provides the coursework and hands-on training you need for teacher certification in grades 7-12. The program is open to students interested in adolescence education with a bachelor's degree in any major.
Teaching Certification: Initial Content Area Grades 7-12
Childhood Education/TESOL
The Master of Science in Education in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, Grades K-12) is a 2-year, in-person graduate program that will prepare you to meet the needs of young English language learners.
Teaching Certification: Initial Childhood 1-6 and TESOL K-12
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Physical Education Initial Certification
The Master’s in Physical Education is a 1-year, in person graduate program that enables you to earn your initial teaching certification as you earn your master’s degree, allowing you to teach in New York State.
Teaching Certification: Initial Physical Education K-12
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Special Education With Initial Childhood
The Special Education Master of Science is a 2-year, in-person graduate program that equips you with techniques required for teaching students with diverse learning needs.
Teaching Certification: Initial Childhood 1-6 and Students With Disabilities (All Grades)
Teacher Residency Program
Canisius University Teacher Residency
The Canisius University Teacher Residency (CUTR) program, which is a 2-year, in-person master’s degree program that allows students to earn New York State dual certification in one of the following areas:
- Childhood (Grades 1-6)/Special Education (All Grades)
- Childhood (Grades 1-6)/TESOL (Grades K-12)
Master’s Degrees For Current Teachers
While you do not need a master’s degree to begin teaching, you are required to earn one within 5 years of achieving your initial certification in New York State.
If you are currently a teacher in New York State and looking to earn your master’s degree the following graduate degree programs are offered at Canisius:
Educational Leadership and Supervision (SBL, SDL, SDBL)
The Educational Leadership program allows current teachers who already hold a master’s degree to earn another Master’s Degree or Advanced Certificate in our SBL, SDL or SDBL programs to provide professional supervision in schools around New York State.
Certification: SBL, SDL, and/or SDBL
Instructional Technologies and Curriculum Design (online)
The Instructional Technologies and Curriculum Design is a master’s degree for current teachers who are looking to use technology to enrich the classroom experience.
Certification: Education Technology Specialist K-12
Literacy Education (online)
The Master of Science in Education Literacy program is a 2-year, online graduate degree for current teachers who want to advance their career in a specialty that may be the most important factor in a child’s educational development.
Certification: Literacy Specialist All Grades
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Physical Education (online)
The Master’s in Physical Education program is a 2-year, online graduate degree for current physical education teachers who hold an initial New York State certification in Physical Education.
Special Education (Advanced) (online)
The Master’s in Special Education program is a 2-year, online graduate degree for current teachers who hold a certification in either Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education or Adolescence Education and Teaching Students With Disabilities Adolescence Generalist.
Teaching Students With Disabilities
This program is designed for individuals with initial certification in Early Childhood (B-2), Childhood (1-6), or Adolescence (7-12) to obtain certification in Students with Disabilities (All Grades). It offers flexible enrollment options and prepares candidates for the All Grades Special Education certificate.
Certification: Students with Disabilities (All Grades)
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (online)
The Master's in TESOL is a 2-year online graduate degree for current teachers looking to strengthen their skills as a teacher.
Certification: TESOL K-12
Advanced Certificates For Current Teachers
If you are already a certified teacher with a master’s degree and are interested in obtaining an advanced certificate or advanced credentials, the following programs available at Canisius can help enhance your teaching skills:
Educational Leadership and Supervision (SBL, SDL, SDBL)
The Educational Leadership program allows current teachers to earn an Advanced Certificate in our SBL, SDL or SDBL programs to provide professional supervision in schools around New York State.
Certification: SBL, SDL, and/or SDBL
Bilingual Education Extension (online)
The certification in bilingual education is a 1-year, online graduate program for current teachers who want to help students learn to speak, write, and understand the English language.
Certification: Bilingual Extension
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Literacy Education
The literacy education certification is ideal for those who already hold a master’s degree in education. The certificate program prepares students for NY State literacy certification in just 6 courses.
Certification: Literacy Specialist All Grades
TESOL Advanced Certificate
The TESOL advanced certificate program can be completed in as little as one year and is ideal for teachers who already hold a New York State teaching certification.
Certification: TESOL K-12
Do teacher certifications transfer between states?
If you are looking to teach in a state where you are not currently licensed, you must apply for a new license in the state you are looking to teach in. Teacher license reciprocity allows those with an out-of-state license to earn a license in a receiving state. For more information on teacher license reciprocity for New York State, please visit The New York State Education Department.
The School Of Education & Human Services at Canisius
More information on the education programs offered at Canisius can be found on the SEHS page.