The qualifications for teachers are outlined in 8 NYCRR § 126.6. These include qualifications for an initial teacher permit, and for provisional and full teacher licenses. All teachers must meet the following criteria:
- completion of an approved four-year high school program or the holding of a valid high school equivalency diploma; and
- having at least two years of practical experience acceptable to the commissioner in the subject area or occupation to be taught. Teaching experience will not be accepted in lieu of practical experience; or
- evidence of having met the criteria for specific business subjects as described in 8 NYCRR § 126.6;
- evidence of having met the criteria for particular topics as identified in the appropriate regulation;
- holding the appropriate license, certification, or approval by the appropriate department for topics or specialties regulated by another department or office.
In addition to these requirements, each teacher must have:
- for a provisional license, a 30-clock-hour approved course in general teaching methods from a proprietary school association recognized by the commissioner or a three-semester-credit-hour course in general teaching methods from an institution whose programs are registered or recognized by the department; and
- for a full license, completion of two additional 30-clock-hour approved professional education courses from a proprietary school association recognized by the commissioner or three additional semester credit hours in appropriate professional education from an institution whose programs are registered or recognized by the department.
For the purpose of determining compliance with the requirements of New York State Education Law and the Commissioner’s regulations, the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) acts as the appropriate State Education Department regulatory office to “recognize” the educational credentials for persons seeking to become licensed private career school teachers in New York.
As proof of meeting the requirement for “a three-semester-credit-hour course in general teaching methods” or “three additional semester credit hours in appropriate professional education” BPSS will accept an official transcript from a college or university (an official certified translation along with the official transcript for those in a language other than English) which demonstrates sufficient coursework in the areas required for licensure. The college or university must have the authority to issue diplomas and certificates of completion for their academic programs and be accredited by the appropriate accrediting body for its jurisdiction. This applies to both United States and foreign colleges and universities.
If the licensed private career school teacher is to be an on-site teacher, the coursework for meeting the course in general teaching methods must be in-residence. The requirement may not be met by an on-line course.
If the licensed private career school teacher will teach on-line only, the coursework for meeting the course in general teaching methods may be either in-residence or on-line, provided that the on-line course must specifically have been created and presented for the methods of on-line teaching.
The licensed private career school teacher who teaches both on-site and on-line must follow the guidelines for an on-site teacher.
Questions or additional guidance should be directed to the BPSS Licensing Unit at BPSSteachers@nysed.gov