Pre-service training, or PST, is how we refer to your training experience as a Partner Teacher before you begin your service as a full-time, appointed teacher in your own classroom.
The heart of the NYCTC program is the residency experience. From January to June, Partner Teachers apprentice in a New York City public school classroom under the guidance of a Coach, a veteran teacher who has demonstrated effectiveness in a high-need school in New York City.
During this time, Partner Teachers take on an increasing number of responsibilities from their Coach in the planning and delivery of instruction, culminating in the delivery of a full unit in the spring. Your Coach will also support you by observing and actively coaching you in your classroom, providing you with direct, specific feedback, and giving you the opportunity to apply what you are learning in Skill-Building Sessions with their students.
Your time during PST over the spring and summer will be divided into three components: Field Experience, Skill-Building Sessions, and University Coursework. Below is the tentative 2023 schedule for PST.
| 2023 Dates | Component | Timing | In-person or Virtual |
| January 17- January 27 | Skill Building Session (SBS) |
5pm to 7pm (time slot may be subject to change) |
We anticipate that SBS will be virtual. |
| January 27 | Visitation Day | Full Day | This is a mandatory in-person visit to your teaching academy. The exact schedule will be shared closer to the date. |
| January 30 - June 2023 | Field Experience and Skill Building Sessions (SBS) |
Field Experience: 7:30am to 4:00pm (arrival & departure depends on your teaching academy)
SBS: twice a week from 5pm to 7pm |
Field Experience is in person at a school (teaching academy).
SBS may be virtual but this can change. |
| Summer 2023 & Beyond | University Coursework | Depends on your university but usually occurs in the evening |
Once you've successfully completed training at a teaching academy, you will begin your master's degree coursework at your assigned university with other Partner Teachers training in your subject area. Whether this is in person or virtual depends on your university.
University coursework begins in the summer and continues while the Partner Teacher works full-time as a DOE teacher. Most Partner Teachers complete their master's degree program and earn their initial certification within 2 to 3 years. |