What is the Teaching and Learning Collaborative?

 The Teaching and Learning Collaborative (TLC) brings together the New York City Department of Education, multiple university partners, and a carefully chosen group of elementary and middle schools to offer current New York City education students the opportunity to student teach in a high need New York City public school.

Acceptance into TLC is highly competitive. Through a rigorous application and selection process we admit a limited number of student teachers into both a Fall and a Spring cohort.

Our goal at the New York City Department of Education is to ensure that all of our students are developing the knowledge and skills they need to graduate from high school and succeed in college. The Teaching and Learning Collaborative is a critical link in achieving this goal.

What is a high need school?

A high need school is a school that faces unique challenges when tasked with increasing student achievement. The high need determination is made though the calculation of a peer index. Where a school falls on this peer index scale determines how high need a school is.
  • The elementary and K-8 schools’ peer index is calculated using a composite demographic statistic based on the percentage of English Language Learners, Special Education students, Black and Hispanic students, as well as eligibility for Title 1 free and reduced lunch.
  • Middle and High schools’ peer index is calculated using the average 4th or 8th grade proficiency ratings for English Language Arts and Math.

Who should apply to TLC?

Student teaching in a high need school is an excellent opportunity to work alongside experienced educators in a diverse and dynamic field placement while developing the necessary teaching competencies to drive student achievement. TLC applicants must have a deep commitment to working with New York City’s highest need student populations: Black and Hispanic students, English language learners, special education students, students struggling with basic skills proficiency, and low income students.

After the successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate education program, we expect all TLC participants to pursue a full-time teaching position in a NYC public school with serious consideration given to working in a high need school.

How does participation in TLC assist students in their full-time job search?

 Finding a full-time teaching position in New York City public schools is highly competitive. We receive, on average, six applications for each available full-time teaching vacancy. To help you in your full-time job search, our office provides specialized recruitment assistance exclusively to TLC participants, including: mock interviews, resume writing and networking workshops, principal panel and career fair invitations, and inclusion in the New Teacher Finder. Historically, TLC participants have secured full-time positions at a higher rate than the general teacher applicant pool.

Most importantly, TLC participants have the chance to student teach in a supportive host school environment with a dynamic, diverse student population. As the majority of our full-time vacancies occur in high need schools, this experience provides an important advantage. We find that aspiring teachers who student teach in high need schools perform well during the job search and principal interview process.

What are the eligibility requirements to participate in TLC?

 TLC is currently available to students at:  The City College of New York, The College of Staten Island, Fordham University, Lehman College, Long Island University, St. Francis College, St. John's University, Teachers College, Hofstra University, Hunter College, Pace University, and Adelphi University.

If you are not enrolled at one of these schools but are interested in TLC, please contact your university representative.

  • TLC candidates must complete their New York State certification requirements from an accredited teacher education program.
  • Candidates must have successfully met all university mandated requirements for student teaching.
  • Upon graduation, candidates must be certified to teach at the elementary or middle school level.
  • If accepted into the TLC, candidates will be expected to adhere to and participate in all program requirements, including attendance at TLC-exclusive workshops.

How does one apply to TLC?

  • We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2010 cohort. Click here to apply.  
  • Before applying to TLC (assuming enrollment at one of the above universities), you must complete you student teacher registration. (see ‘Requirements’ section under ‘Student Teachers’ in this handbook)
  • The application process is highly competitive and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  We offer both Fall and Spring TLC student teacher placements.
  • If you are selected for the program, the Office of Student Teaching will contact you directly and work with your student teaching advisor to determine your host school placement.