Certification Requirements
Prospective students must:
- Hold a valid NYS Teaching Certificate
- Satisfactorily complete the five graduate courses
- Satisfactorily complete the content specialty test (CST) in ESOL
- Apply individually to NYSED for the Supplementary certificate
Your application will require a certification signed by the superintendent attesting to the fact that there is a demonstrated shortage of such certified teachers.
for THE Supplementary License
To apply for a Supplementary License, you must first hold a valid NYS Teaching Certificate. You will be expected to complete the requirements for the permanent certificate within 3 years. The requirements are provided in more detail on the NYSED website at http://eservices.nysed.gov/teach/certhelp/CertRequirementHelp.do
Candidates must also pass the Content Specialty Test (CST) for ESOL. This test is designed to measure the both the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching ELL students of all age groups and language proficiency levels. Lesson planning, assessment and classroom management strategies are all included in the CST. View this website for additional information.
For the Certification to Become Permanent
The determination of your eligibility for the alternate route certification can only be made by the NYS evaluators, who will look at your transcripts and determine, on a case-by-case basis, which requirements you have met and what remains for you to do. Refer to the NYSED website listed above for the most up-to-date certification rulings.