Application Overview
The Central New York Alternative Teacher Certification Program (CNY ATC) application process is entirely online. We encourage applicants to review the information below to prepare for the upcoming application period.
Applications will be accepted January 6 through February 9, 2026.
Click the button below to apply to The Central NY Alternative Teacher Certification Program.
Timeline
- January 6, 2026 - Applications open
- February 9, 2026 - Applications close
- Early March 2026 - Acceptance letters will be sent
Tips
- Review the required application materials below
- Set a calendar reminder for the application deadline (February 9, 2026)
- Obtain three letters of recommendation and all unofficial college transcripts
- Save application materials in an easy to find folder with clearly label files (e.g., LastName_Resume.pdf)
- Add [email protected] to your email contacts and regularly check your email for updates (including your spam folder)
Note: You may adjust your answers and upload additional information if needed. Please do not complete a separate application.
Required Materials
Letters of Recommendation
- Three letters of recommendation from current/past supervisors or academic instructors/college professors.
- Your letters of recommendation should speak to your professionalism, communication, reliability and potential as an educator.
- Your letters must be uploaded and submitted through the online application form.
Current Resume
Your resume should include:
- Education history
- Current and previous employment experiences
- Relevant skills and certifications
- Volunteer or school-based experience (if applicable)
College Transcripts
- Upload any unofficial transcripts to the online application
- Transcripts will be used to review your current/previous coursework
- Transcripts must include the institution name, coursework, GPA and the degree earned (if applicable).
Personal Information and Education
In the online application form, you will be asked to provide:
- Your personal information (Name, Address, Phone Number)
- Highest level of education
- The subject area of any current or previous degrees
Employment and Teaching Experiences
In the online application form, you will be asked to provide:
- Current employment
- Name and address of your employer
- If you work in a school, the school district that you work in
- Current position
- Description of your job duties and responsibilities
- If applicable, the subject(s)/grade(s) of the classrooms you work in
- The areas and dates of any substitute teaching
- Teaching experience
- Your experiences working with students in school settings
- Your experiences leading instruction in a classroom and what you have learned from those experiences
Short Answer Questions
In the online application form, you will be asked about your interest in the CNY ATC program:
- Why are you interested in becoming a teacher through the CNY ATC program?
- What field you are interested in teaching?
- What your long term career goals are, following completion of the program?
Short answer questions are intended to give us a clearer picture of who you are. It is strongly recommended to complete the short answer questions in a separate document and then copy and paste your answers into the application form once completed.
Optional - District/Building Leader Endorsement
District/building leader endorsement form is highly encouraged, but not required to apply. Preference will be given to candidates that have district endorsement.
If you plan to seek an endorsement from a building or district leader, you will be asked to provide their name, title and email address. The CNY ATC Program will send an endorsement form directly to this person. It is strongly recommended that you inform the listed leader that you are applying to the program and let them know that they will be receiving an endorsement request from CNY ATC.
