Already have a bachelor’s degree? A career in teaching could be closer than you think. The Transitional B Certificate allows students in an alternative teaching program to earn while they learn thanks to a graduate programs and pathways in education through Empire State University.
It is designed to make the transition to teaching a lot easier. By the end of your teaching program you can leave with a degree, fulfilled requirements for an initial certification and 2 years of experience as a paid teacher of record, which counts towards your professional certification.
What is a Transitional B Certificate?
The Transitional B Certificate is an alternative teacher preparation program. It allows people to work as a paid teacher of record for a cooperating school district, while in a part time educational program at a university that helps them get their initial NYS teaching license.
The only SUNY campus to offer Transitional B certification is Empire State University:
Who is eligible to receive a Transitional B Certificate?
Eligibility for the Transitional B Certificate is based on the following criteria:
- Must be enrolled in a registered NYS alternative teaching program and meet the program’s academic requirements.
- Pass required exams:
- Educating All Students Test (EAS): measures professional and teaching knowledge
- Content Specialty Test (CST): measures knowledge of your teaching subject area
- Complete workshops:
- Dignity for all students Act workshop
- Child abuse, identification and reporting workshop
- School Violence Prevention (SAVE) workshop
- Autism workshop (required for Special Education candidates, only)
- Receive an institutional recommendation from your university
- Secure a position as a teacher of record in your content area with a cooperating school district.
* If you already have a certification to teach in NY you are not eligible to get a Transitional B Certificate in the same subject area.
How long is a Transitional B Certificate valid?
The Transitional B Certificate is valid for up to 3 years from its effective date. Extensions are sometimes granted to students who remain enrolled in an alternative teaching program for longer than 3 years. A bilingual education extension may be issued for up to 1 additional year.
What are the benefits of getting a Transitional B Certificate?
Obtaining a Transitional B Certificate comes with numerous benefits:
- Earn your initial teaching certificate at the end of your alternative teaching program
- Get a teaching job and earn a salary while completing your degree
- Asynchronous classes and flexible options allow for coursework to fit into your schedule
Are there workplace guidelines for students with the alternative certification?
The Transitional B Certificate includes workplace requirements that ensure a students’ workplace also functions as a meaningful learning environment. These requirements include:
- Secure employment in a New York State School District
- Employment in the subject area you’re seeking certification in
- Robust mentoring and supervision in the workplace:
- Candidates are assigned a mentor who provides guidance
- Regular observations and evaluations by program faculty, university field supervisors, and school administrators are conducted
The Transitional B Certificate allows students to teach while completing an alternative teaching program. To find a Transitional B Certificate program at SUNY visit suny.edu/be-a-teacher.
