How to Become a NYC Certified Teacher: Part 5: No Certification and Other Options for Teaching in NYC

There are many reasons why individuals do not get certified. Some people do not want to get certified or would rather teach in a private school. Most private schools, especially those with religious affiliations, do not require teacher certification. Many times they also do not require any degree beyond the Bachelor’s Degree.

Teachers can submit an application to the Archdiocese of New York for teaching jobs in Catholic schools. These jobs require a Bachelor’s Degree and prefer but do not require teaching experience, teacher certification, and a graduate degree in education. Other religious affiliations may include Lutheran Schools, Pentecostal Schools, Episcopal Schools, and the National Christian School Association.

Independent Schools are yet another option. Like religious schools while it is preferred, teaching certification is not required. Unlike religious schools though, teaching experience is usually required with Independent Schools.

Waldorf and Montessori are two well known education methods who also have not only schools opened in their names but teachers are specially trained in their teaching methods.

As noted by the Montessori website, an individual’s first Montessori teaching job only requires a high school diploma. This first job would be as a teacher’s assistant. To become a lead teacher in a Montessori school you would need a Bachelor’s Degree plus Montessori credentials. As with other teacher certification levels, Montessori gives credentials in several areas including: birth to three, three to six, six to twelve, or twelve to eighteen years old. One year in internship is also required to become a lead teach in a Montessori school.

Like Montessori, Waldorf programs require courses to be taken in Waldorf theory and techniques. There are several Waldorf institutes located throughout the United States and one in particular in New York. Located in Spring Valley, NY, Sunbridge College offers Waldorf courses. These courses lead to Waldorf certification and some times to a graduate degree in education.

Although these are other options for teaching in NYC, these choices do have cons which can include lower salary and lower benefits. So while having a certificate in teaching is the more popular option for teaching in NYC it is not the only option.