Program Summary

Pre-Service Programs

Scholars participate in an intensive full-time summer program for 6-8 weeks beginning in June 2009 and ending in early August 2009. During the summer program, scholars participate in specially-designed courses on CUNY campuses and also get practical experience in New York City schools, working with students. Scholars who successfully complete the summer program receive a $3,000 living stipend and earn between six and twelve credits toward their master's degree. Tuition for the summer program is waived by CUNY.

In order to remain in the program, Scholars must pass two New York State Teacher Certification Examinations before September 2009: the Liberal Arts and Science Test (LAST) and the appropriate Content Specialty Test (CST) in the subject they will be teaching. The college where they are enrolled will then recommend them to New York State for alternative certification.Students must also secure a position as a full-time teacher of record at New York City public school for September 2009.

1st and 2nd Years of the Program

During the 2009-2010 school year, Scholars teach full time in New York City schools and take courses at CUNY after school toward their master's degree. Scholars are paid the appropriate teacher salary by the New York City Department of Education. Scholars also receive mentoring from a college liaison and from an experienced teacher at their school. At the end of the 1st year of teaching, Scholars earn an AmeriCorps Education Award worth $4,725 that can be used to subsidize the cost of earning their CUNY Master's Degree.

During the 2010-2011 school year, Scholars again teach full time in New York City schools and take courses at CUNY after school toward their master's degree. Scholars are paid the appropriate teacher salary by the New York City Department of Education. At the end of the 2nd year of teaching, Scholars earn a second AmeriCorps Education Award worth $4,725 that can also be used to subsidize the cost of earning their CUNY Master's Degree. Please alert our office is you have received any prior AmeriCorps vouchers.

Typically, TOP Scholars finish their master's degrees within two to three years of the start of the program. Once Scholars complete their master's degrees, they are committed to teach for two more years in the New York City Department of Education.