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Initial Teacher Certification

Matriculants who successfully complete a graduate educator preparation program at Lehman are eligible to apply for New York State initial certification. Matriculants must file an application for their certificate as a classroom teacher or school building leader at the end of their final semester of graduate study. Filing instructions and related information may be obtained from the Certification Officer, Room B33 of Carman Hall.

The certification process is as follows:

  • Matriculants should visit the Certification Office to receive an undergraduate transcript(s) evaluation of their Liberal Arts & Sciences credits for certification in their area of study.

  • The candidate may need to take additional courses if there is deficiency in their liberal arts and sciences credits.

  • The candidate completes the graduate education program and obtains the degree.

  • The candidate files for certification using his or her NYSED Teach account with a program code provided by the Certification Officer.

  • The candidate contacts the Certification Officer when his or her status of graduation is completed on his or her CUNYfirst account.

  • The Certification Officer enters an electronic institutional recommendation for NYS certification into their NYSED Teach account.

  • The State Education Department issues electronic certificates on TEACH online services at www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert

Candidates for initial teacher certification must meet the State requirements for certification as follows: 

  • A bachelor's degree;

  • Completion of NYS registered graduate educator preparation program ;

  • Successful completion of internship, student teaching, or practicum course;

  • Passing the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations: (a) Teacher Performance Assessments (edTPA), (b) Educating All Students test (EAS), and (c) Revised Content Specialty Test (CST);

  • Completion of New York State mandated workshops on School Violence Prevention, Child Abuse Identification, and the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).) Speech and Special Education candidates must also complete the Needs of Students with Autism workshop.