 |
FAQs |
|
Useful Links |
|
Certification Concerns
Program #602 The State Education Department has authorized this office to evaluate and recommend certification for all areas of the professional service with the exception of the following certificates: School District Administrator, Occupational Education Services, Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, Teaching Assistant, Time Extensions and Educational Technology Specialist. Professional employees referred by participating districts receive prompt responses to questions concerning certification status. Information regarding changes in certification regulations is disseminated regularly with explanatory notes; workshops are conducted for superintendents, personnel administrators and clerical staff.  What is a Regional Certification Office? The Regional Certification Office evaluates transcripts and processes applications for certification from employees of school districts and residents of the Western Suffolk region. The region encompasses the 18 school districts in the towns of Huntington, Smithtown, and Babylon. Western Suffolk BOCES is authorized as a regional office by the New York State Education Department. What are the basic requirements to teach in a New York public school district?
Where may I be employed with a New York State teaching certificate?
Any New York State public school, PreK - 12th grades Can I obtain an Application for Certification from the Regional Certification Office? Yes, but you can also obtain one from your college or university and from the NYS Education Department Office of Teaching website: There is now the option to apply for certification online. Do I need to make an appointment to receive assistance from the Regional Certification Office? Most assistance can be provided via the telephone. The Regional Certification Specialist is available weekdays during July and August from 11:00 am to 2 pm, during Sept. through June from 11:00 am to 4 pm. You will be informed if there is a need to schedule an appointment. Do I have to apply for a New York State teacher certificate if I have a certificate from a reciprocal state? Yes. You must hold a valid and appropriate New York State teacher certificate. If I hold a certificate from a reciprocal state am I automatically entitled to a New York State certificate? No. The Interstate Agreement of Qualification of Educational Personnel is limited to course work and certain certificate requirements only! You must still complete Child Abuse training, and the appropriate NYS Teacher Certification exams. When did the changes in certification requirements become effective? In February 2004, the new certification requirements became effective. Those who applied for certification prior to Feb. 2, 2004, will have to meet the criteria outlined in their evaluation no later then Feb 1, 2004. Those who were issued teacher certificates under pre-February 2004 regulations must meet permanent requirements within the lifetime of the certificate. Check the NYS Education Department's website for additional information. Can the Regional Certification Office issue my certificate? No. Your actual certificate will be mailed to you from the Office of Teaching in Albany, NY. The Regional Certification Office will work with you to ensure that your application for certification is appropriately completed and that it includes all necessary supporting documents and fees. The Regional Certification Specialist will process your application and forward it to the NYS Education Department. How long does it take to actually receive my certificate(s) in the mail? The amount of time varies depending on the volume of applications being processed in the Office of Teaching in Albany. Applications sent to the Office of Teaching can take 3 to 5 months to be processed. The Regional Certification Office has no control of the actual length of time between the submission of your application and the receipt of a certificate. You can contact the Regional Certification Office at (631) 549-4900, ext. 257 to check the status of your application since the office has access to the computer network of the NYS Education Department's Office of Teaching. How do I contact the NYS Education Department's Office of Teaching if I have questions?
You may contact them by calling (518) 474-3901 or through its website located at: Apply online for certification at http://www.nysed.gov/tcert/ |
