The Teaching Assistant certificate authorizes individuals to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a certified teacher. There are four certificate levels issued: Level I, Level II, Level III, and Pre-Professional.
In order to qualify for certification, you must pass the New York State Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills test (NYSATAS) and successfully complete the Child Abuse Identification, School Violence Prevention and Intervention, and Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshops. Then you must apply via the State Education Department for State certification as a Teaching Assistant.
What are the types of certificates?
Level I Teaching Assistant
The Level I Teaching Assistant is the entry-level certificate for teacher assistants. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is valid for three years, with the possibility of renewal for three additional years to meet the experience requirement for the Level II teaching assistant certificate.
Level II Teaching Assistant Certificate
The Level II Teaching Assistant certificate is the second-level certificate for teaching assistants. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is Valid for three years and not renewable, and leads to the Level III Teaching Assistant certificate.
Level III Teaching Assistant Certificate
The Level III Teaching Assistant certificate is the third-level certificate for teaching assistants. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is continuously valid with completion of the required professional development hours every five years. The five-year professional development cycles begin on July 1 following the issuance date of the certificate.
Pre-Professional Teaching Assistant Certificate
The Pre-Professional Teaching Assistant certificate is the advanced-level certificate for teaching assistants. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is valid for five years; may be renewed with matriculation in a teacher preparation program and completion of 30 semester hours of collegiate study.
Continuing Certificate as a Teaching Assistant
The Continuing certificate as a Teaching Assistant is issued to permit the continued employment of an individual who has completed one year of experience under a temporary license and who has six semester hours of study in education. This certificate permits the holder to provide direct instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher. It is continuously valid, except when the holder has not been regularly employed in the public schools for five consecutive years, in which case the certificate lapses.
More Information from the NY State Education Department Office of Teaching Initiatives