EdPrep NYC Program Overview and Structure

Introduction

  • Welcome by Barbara.

  • Mention of ITI and challenges faced, including COVID-19.

  • Introduction by Brenda Yuraga, coordinator at TRQ.

Overview of Ed Preparation Programs

  • Brenda Yuraga’s role is to present information on the program for school administrators.

New York City MenTeach

  • Established in 2015 to place a thousand men of color as teachers in NYC by 2018.

  • Goal aimed at increasing representation in classrooms for students of color.

  • By 2018, the target was surpassed with over a thousand men of color in teaching roles.

  • Foundation supported by the mayor’s office; focus has now expanded to include women and all individuals of color.

Introduction to EdPrep NYC

  • Target participants are uncertified school staff interested in education:

    • Includes paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, custodians, school aides, and community coordinators.

  • Must have a file number and work in a school setting to qualify.

  • Key requirements for the program:

    • Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.8 (degree can be in any major other than education).

    • Preference for diverse educational backgrounds to enrich the cohort.

Program Structure and Support

  • EdPrep NYC provides participants with opportunities to:

    • Work alongside tenured administrators and mentors.

    • Monthly mentoring sessions with EdPrep mentors.

    • Financial support through stipends for certification.

    • Trans B documentation allows them to work while pursuing education.

Application Timeline

  • Applications open every September:

    • Candidates apply in September, and their information is sent to universities.

    • Selection timeline:

    • Applications reviewed between October and November.

    • Candidates accepted by December, prior to Thanksgiving.

    • Coursework begins January 2027, includes certification exams prep timeline.

    • Deadline for certification exams (EAS and CST) by June 30, 2027.

Partnerships with Universities

  • Universities partnered for certification programs:

    • Brooklyn College: Childhood Education plus Bilingual.

    • City College: Students with Disabilities (all grades).

    • Hunter College: TESOL.

    • College of Staten Island (newly added) for convenience to Staten Island staff.

  • Notable that university partners may change yearly.

Educational Content and Skills Development

  • During the two years of coursework, participants receive:

    • Mentorship and support from school leaders.

    • Training in:

    • Writing IEPs.

    • Responsive education practices.

    • Social-emotional learning.

    • Restorative justice.

    • Test preparation sessions for certifications with financial support for exam fees.

Job Search Assistance

  • Resume and interview coaching provided between April and May before open market period.

  • Early hiring opportunities for principals interested in EdPrep candidates:

    • Principals can hire candidates early if they are on track with their certifications.

  • Listing in the New Teacher Finder begins in January for non-early hires.

Compliance and Certification Requirements

  • Candidates must complete the certification process by June 30 to meet hiring requirements.

  • Requirement for early hire candidates to provide proof of exams set up or passage.

Program Expansion and Numbers

  • Increase in cohort size this year with 400 participants.

  • Emphasis on the program being expanded through word-of-mouth.

Q&A Section

  • Brenda opens the floor for questions.

  • Discussion of possible presentations for school staff interested in EdPrep programs, including a proposed June meeting to survey interest.

  • Emphasized flexibility in delivery format (in-person/virtual) due to renovation schedules at their facility.

    • Consideration of recommendations despite GPA limitations; emphasize importance of principal recommendations.

Clarification on Student Teaching

  • Student teachers must coordinate with their school principal regarding time allocation for student teaching during coursework.

  • Addressed how time off for student teaching may affect staff coverage and school operations.

Additional Points of Interest

  • Universities may offer varying programs each academic year; potential changes in partnerships are acknowledged.

  • Financial aid considerations are clarified: the program costs will be subsidized and repaid through salary deductions once candidates are in full-time teaching positions.

  • No cap on the number of candidates from a school; principal discretion on staff availability.

  • Cooperation and communication emphasized to ensure successful applications and participation in the EdPrep NYC program.

Closing

  • Brenda emphasizes the growing interest and importance of this program in developing future teachers.

  • Recap that further queries can be sent via email.