CNY Alternative Teacher Certification Program
The Central New York Alternative Teacher Certification Program (CNY ATC) is a grant-funded initiative designed to help navigate the journey to teacher certification alongside participants from application through certification. Our team works alongside participants to helop identify the pathway that best fits their educational background and career goals. The CNY ATC provides individualized guidance, financial support through grant funding, and ongoing advising every step of the way .
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the frequently asked questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CNY ATC a teacher preparation program?
No. The CNY ATC does not provide the coursework that leads directly to teacher certification, award degrees, or recommend candidates for certification.
Will I need to apply to a college if I have already applied and am accepted into the CNY ATC Program?
If you are accepted into the program, you will work with the program grant administrator to determine the appropriate certification pathway and complete any required admissions steps with the partnering institution.
Please note that participants may be responsible for application fees and official transcript request cost.
If I already have a Bachelors or Masters Degree, will I need to complete a whole new program?
In New York State, teacher certification is based on completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, not simply earning a degree. Even if you already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another field, the state still requires formal preparation in how to teach.
- This preparation includes coursework and supervised experience in areas such as:
- Child and adolescent development
- Classroom management and culturally responsive practices
- Special education foundations
- Assessment and instruction
- Literacy across content areas
- Supervised student teaching experience
Most colleges bundle the required course into a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. The degree itself is not the requirement. The completion of the approved preparation courses is what makes a candidate eligible for certification.
Can I enroll at any university, or is the CNY ATC program only offered through SUNY Cortland?
The Central NY Alternative Teacher Certification Program is housed at SUNY Cortland and works in partnership with several approved institutions. If accepted into the program, we will guide you through the enrollment process with one of our partnered institutions.
If there is another school within the SUNY system that you would prefer to attend, we are happy to explore that option with you and work together to determine if participation can be supported.
Who is the program for?
The CNY ATC is designed for Individuals currently working in classroom settings who are interested in becoming certified teachers in a high-needs field in New York State. The program focuses on supporting teaching assistants, substitute teachers, and other school-based professions who are actively involved in classrooms.
Our ideal candidate:
- Is interested in teaching in a high-needs field (Special Education, Math, or Science)
- Is not currently a certified teacher
- Is working in a school/ with students
- Has at least 40+ college credits
- Is comfortable with online coursework
- Has their district's support
Will there be another round of applications?
While we are not currently accepting new applications, you can stay informed about future opportunities by clicking the "Stay Updated" button in the bottom right corner of this page and submitting the form.
What does the application process look like?
- Candidates will be asked to complete an online application form.
- Upload 3 letters of recommendation to the online application, evaluating your character, readiness for the program/teaching, and your suitability for teaching.
- Upload a current resume to the online application form, that demonstrates your academic background, work experience, skills, etc.
- Upload any unofficial college/university transcripts to the online application form, showing your degree, previous coursework, GPA, credits.
- Please review our Applying to the CNY ATC webpage for more information about applications as well as an application checklist!
Can I continue to work full-time, while participating in the program?
Yes. The program is designed with working adults in mind, offering flexible online programs. However, The CNY ATC program is not responsible for ensuring that participants who are employed by a school district will be allowed to complete required observation hours and student teaching experiences during work hours.
To complete field hours or student teaching during work hours, participants will need an endorsement from their district stating that the district will accommodate the participant to complete their field hours as part of their job duties.
Should a district choose not to endorse a participant in this way, the participant may need to take a leave of absence or reduce their work hours to complete these required experiences.
Is there a work commitment following the completion of the program?
No. There is no employment obligation or commitment tied to participation in the Central NY Alternative Teacher Certification Program. While many participants choose to continue working in their current district, you are not required to do so after completing the program. </ p>
What is expected of me if I am accepted into the program?
Upon acceptance, candidates are expected to:
- Apply to a partnering institutions and/or apply to have official transcripts evaluated by the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison (OCM) BOCES Certification Office (if necessary)
- Take at least one course a semester during Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions.
- Maintain a C or better in all coursework at the undergraduate level and B or better at the graduate level.
- Complete required Field Observations and Student Teaching.
- Take and pass all required Certification Exams and required workshops.
