Former NYC School Teachers

We welcome your interest in returning to the New York City Department of Education.  Please read this section carefully as we have made changes and improvements to the hiring process.

Before employment of any former teacher can be considered by the department, a thorough review of the teachers’ service history (including all leaves of absence, transfers, etc.) and performance ratings will be conducted.  Candidates must meet the standard of exemplary past service for any consideration.  It is important to understand that as a former teacher, you cannot automatically return to service at your discretion.

In addition to the online application, if you are contacted for an interview many principals may require you to teach a demonstration lesson as part of the process.  You should familiarize yourself with current instructional methodologies, curriculum content, and classroom management skills so that you are able to speak effectively about these topics.

Changes in State Certification Requirements

As of February 1, 2004, all teachers must be state-certified.  Only teachers who hold a valid, current state certification from New York State or a state with reciprocity can be considered for employment.  If your certification has lapsed, you are ineligible to be considered for teaching and you must satisfy the requirements for Initial or Professional certification.  These requirements can be found here.

If you have been out of the teaching profession in New York State for at least five years and did not attain permanent certification prior to that, it is unlikely that you have current valid certification.  The Division of Human Resources offers The Road to Certification Workshop to explain the requirements for state certification.

Retirements

If you have retired from the New York City Department of Education and are collecting a pension from the Teachers’ Retirement System, you are ineligible for full-time employment.  If you wish to withdraw your retirement, you may do so by contacting Teachers’ Retirement Systems.

Resignations

Teachers who are returning to work must rescind their resignation and must visit the office of Field Services, Room 801, at 65 Court Street before any employment can commence.  Click here for more information.