How To Become a High School Teacher in New York 2025

Teaching high school in New York is a respected and impactful profession. If you're exploring how to become a high school teacher, you'll need to follow state-specific steps. These include earning a bachelor's degree, completing a teacher preparation program, and obtaining New York State teacher certification.

New York offers multiple pathways for new graduates and career changers. Whether you're pursuing a traditional education degree or entering from another field, this article outlines every step of the process, from training and exams to funding and job prospects.

What Does a High School Teacher Do?

As a high school teacher in New York, you'll be qualified to teach students in grades seven through 12. You might specialize in U.S. history, chemistry, literature, or geometry, helping students gain critical skills and meet graduation requirements.

Beyond content instruction, teachers are also mentors, advisors, and classroom leaders. You'll be responsible for supporting both academic growth and student well-being.

Typical high school teacher responsibilities include:

• developing lesson plans aligned with New York State Learning Standards
• evaluating student progress and assigning grades
• managing classroom behavior and enforcing rules
• collaborating with families, support staff, and fellow teachers
• guiding students through Regents exam preparation
• leading extracurricular clubs, tutoring, or academic coaching

How To Become a High School Teacher in New York

New York has a structured teacher certification process managed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). You must complete education and training requirements, pass certification exams, and apply for initial licensure.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

You'll need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Ideally, you'll major in education; however, depending on the type of high school teacher you want to be, you might also choose to major in a subject you want to teach, such as English, social studies, or biology.

In New York, your degree must include at least 30 credit hours in the content area you plan to teach. If your undergraduate degree is in a different field, you can still become certified through an alternative pathway or post-baccalaureate program.

Step 2: Complete a New York Teacher Preparation Program

Most future teachers complete their training through a New York State-approved teacher preparation program. These are typically part of a bachelor's or master's degree and include coursework in teaching methods, adolescent development, and curriculum design.

Programs also include at least 100 hours of field experience and a full semester of student teaching. If you already have a degree, you may be eligible for an alternative program such as the Transitional B certificate route, which allows you to teach while completing coursework.

Step 3: Pass the Required Certification Exams

To earn initial certification, you must pass several New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE), including:

• Educating All Students (EAS)
• Content Specialty Test (CST) in your subject area
• edTPA performance assessment (or its approved replacement)

These exams assess your ability to teach diverse student populations, demonstrate subject knowledge, and apply pedagogical skills.

Step 4: Apply for Initial Certification

Once you've met the academic and testing requirements, you can apply for your Initial Certificate through the NYSED TEACH portal. This certification is valid for five years and allows you to teach full-time in a New York public school.

During this time, you'll complete additional requirements for your Professional Certificate, including mentorship and three years of full-time teaching experience.

Education Degree Programs in New York

If you're planning to become a high school teacher in New York, choosing a college with a strong teacher preparation program is essential. The schools below offer state-approved degrees that include classroom fieldwork, certification guidance, and affordable tuition.

SUNY Cortland

SUNY Cortland offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in adolescence education and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in adolescence education, with certification options in subjects like English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and social studies. The program includes coursework in instructional strategies, curriculum development, and adolescent psychology, giving students a strong foundation in content knowledge and classroom practice.

Students complete multiple field placements in public schools and a full semester of student teaching. SUNY Cortland also provides academic advising, certification exam prep, and mentorship opportunities with experienced educators. Its teacher education program is one of the most established in the SUNY system.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 (in-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

SUNY Oneonta

The BS in adolescence education at SUNY Oneonta prepares students to teach grades seven through 12 in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, or social studies. The program includes coursework in teaching methods, assessment practices, and educational psychology, along with a liberal arts core that strengthens communication and critical thinking skills.

Field experiences begin early and increase in responsibility each year, culminating in a semester-long student teaching assignment. Oneonta offers personalized academic support, exam preparation services, and strong relationships with regional school districts to help students transition into teaching roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 (in-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Hunter College

Hunter College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY), offers a BA in adolescent education through its School of Education. Students can prepare for certification in areas such as English, Spanish, math, biology, and social studies. The program focuses on culturally responsive teaching, classroom management, and effective instruction in urban settings.

Located in Manhattan, Hunter places students in New York City public schools for fieldwork and student teaching. The college provides a wide range of support services, including tutoring, career guidance, and certification workshops, making it an accessible and practical choice for future teachers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,930 (in-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Buffalo State University

Buffalo State University offers a BS in adolescence education with concentrations in English, math, and social studies. Students take subject-area coursework alongside classes in instructional design, learning theory, and adolescent development. The curriculum includes early field experiences and a full semester of supervised teaching in a local high school.

Buffalo State supports students through its Teacher Certification Office, tutoring centers, and exam prep programs. Located in Western New York, the university has partnerships with urban and rural schools to give students a broad view of classroom settings and teaching challenges.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,535 per semester (in-state); $9,405 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

SUNY Plattsburgh

The BS in adolescence education at SUNY Plattsburgh trains students to teach grades seven through 12 in disciplines such as English, math, and earth science. The program teaches inclusive education, adolescent literacy, and effective use of instructional technology. Students also take classes in classroom assessment, secondary curriculum, and education law.

Teacher candidates complete over 100 hours of fieldwork before entering a semester-long student teaching assignment. Plattsburgh's education program provides individualized support, job placement assistance, and certification exam preparation, helping students successfully launch their careers in education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 (in-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How Much Does a High School Teacher Make in New York?

New York offers some of the highest teacher salaries in the country, especially in metropolitan areas. The average high school teacher salary in New York is approximately $96,640, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salaries vary by region and experience. Teachers working in New York City or Long Island may earn over $100,000 annually with additional pay for graduate degrees or advanced certification.

Job Outlook for High School Teachers in New York

New York continues to need certified teachers in subjects like special education, science, bilingual education, and math. Urban districts and underserved communities are particularly focused on hiring qualified secondary educators.

Programs like NYC Men Teach and the Teaching Fellows initiative help bring new professionals into the field. Job openings are expected to remain steady across most districts.

Financial Aid for High School Teacher Programs

New York offers several financial aid options for future teachers:

• First, file the FAFSA to qualify for federal aid such as Pell Grants, loans, and work-study, and find an online college that accepts FAFSA to put the aid toward your education degree.
• The NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible residents pay for college at approved New York schools.
• The NYS Teaching Fellows Program provides alternative pathways with financial support and full-time teaching experience.
• Many SUNY and CUNY campuses offer education scholarships and certification exam reimbursements.

Ask your program's financial aid office about additional funding or loan forgiveness options.

FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher in New York

The FAQs below address common questions you may have about training, certification, and classroom expectations to better prepare you to teach high school in New York.

How Long Does It Take To Become a High School Teacher in New York?

It generally takes four to five years to become certified. Most students spend four years earning a bachelor's degree and one year completing certification requirements, such as student teaching and passing exams.

Career changers with an eligible degree can begin teaching under Transitional B certification in as little as one year while completing their training.

What Subjects Are Most in Demand in New York Schools?

Subjects like math, science, special education, and bilingual education are in high demand. Teachers certified in these areas often receive hiring preference and may qualify for additional financial support or loan forgiveness programs.

Can I Teach in New York Without a Traditional Education Degree?

Yes, if you have a degree in a core subject and want to become a teacher, you can qualify through alternative certification pathways such as Transitional B or the NYC Teaching Fellows program. These routes include coursework, teaching experience, and support to meet state licensure requirements.

How Do I Renew My Teaching Certificate in New York?

After earning your Initial Certificate, you'll work toward a Professional Certificate. To qualify, you must complete three years of teaching and one year of mentoring. Once issued, the Professional Certificate must be renewed every five years through Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours.

Is a Master's Degree Required to Teach in New York?

Not initially. However, to move from Initial to Professional Certification, New York requires a master's degree or equivalent graduate coursework within five years of initial licensure.

Explore Teaching Degrees in New York

Whether you're just starting or changing careers, accredited education programs across New York can help you become a certified teacher. Browse teaching degrees on Learn.org and compare programs to take the next step toward a career as a teacher.