» Academic Programs » Programs of Note » The Teacher Academy » FAQs

What does The Teacher Academy offer?

• Scholarship covering full - tuition and fees
• Paid internships for work in middle and high schools, either during the summer or during the year
• The benefits of a "college within a college," including small classes, dedicated advisors and tutors, and a Teacher Academy home for study and socializing
• Placement in a selected middle or high school where, for four years, students will observe, study, and eventually practice the profession of teaching.

Can I apply both to the Macaulay Honors College and to The Teacher Academy?

Yes. However, if you’re interested in doing so, you should only submit an application to the Macaulay Honors College. After you learn if you have been accepted, you can apply to the Teacher Academy program at the same campus. We would recommend that you contact the Teacher Academy program on campus while you are waiting to hear and let the staff know of your interest in the Academy.

If you are admitted to both programs, you must choose one of the award packages.

How is The Teacher Academy different from the Macaulay Honors College?

The Teacher Academy is designed to produce highly effective math and science teachers using a model that is much like the medical internship. Students study and apply what they learn in real-life settings.

The Macaulay Honors College emphasizes leadership in New York City coupled with a strong emphasis on a liberal arts education.

Both are selective programs that challenge academically talented students to excel. Both provide a small college environment (smaller classes, space to study and to socialize, the closeness of peers) with the research and course availability advantages of a large university.

How will the scholarship program work?

All students who are admitted to The Teacher Academy must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. All New York State residents must also file a TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) application. TAP awards will be applied to cover the cost of tuition. Both forms must be completed on an annual basis prior to the start of each academic year. High-school college advisors can provide instructions on how to file the FAFSA and TAP forms. Applicants may also log onto the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov where FAFSA forms may be filed online; or call 1-800-FEDAID.

Note: In order for a student to continue to receive The Teacher Academy financial aid package throughout his or her years of undergraduate enrollment, he/she must remain in "good standing" as defined by The Teacher Academy. Each student will receive information about the "good standing" policy upon admission to The Teacher Academy and should study it carefully. Failure to remain in good standing may result in the termination of the financial benefits and academic privileges. The "good standing" policy of The Teacher Academy is separate from, and additional to, any academic policies established by the participating CUNY college at which a student has enrolled.

What is my obligation after I graduate?

Graduates of The Teacher Academy will be eligible for teaching positions in a New York City public school after successful completion of the program including course work, field work, and pre-employment screening. Students will commit to teach for a minimum of two years. However, we hope you will find teaching in New York City so rewarding that you will make it your lifetime career. New York City's Department of Education is committed to providing new teachers with one-to-one mentoring early in their placements. Every effort will be made to place students in teaching positions within the same network of schools in which they did their fieldwork.

When do I make the commitment to teach for two years after graduation?

The Teacher Academy is designed to give students experience in the schools from the beginning of the program. At the end of the first year, students are asked to make the formal commitment to teach for two years in New York City public schools after graduation. Retention of The Teacher Academy scholarship is contingent on this commitment.

In what kinds of schools will Teacher Academy students have their field experience?

The Teacher Academy and the New York City Department of Education have carefully selected host schools with principals and teachers who are eager to work with aspiring teachers. These schools will be in the same geographical area as The Teacher Academy campus program the student attends.

Can I transfer from one Teacher Academy to another after I enter the program?

Programs in science and mathematics are demanding and highly structured. Each program has been carefully planned so that students complete their work in four years. Academic coursework is linked to middle and high school field experiences with the objective that students get to know the school well and have the opportunity to see changes in student achievement and curriculum. Consequently, transfer is not offered between Teacher Academy programs.

What are the admissions requirements for The Teacher Academy?

Admissions to the Teacher Academy are currently suspended.

We seek students with demonstrated talent in science and mathematics as well as a sincere desire to teach. Students may demonstrate these characteristics in a number of ways - through their academic record, through performance on SATs, through the rigor of their high school curriculum (Advanced Placement courses, honors courses), through independent research, through complementary coursework (in College Now or university summer programs), or through other outside activities (tutoring or mentoring). The Teacher Academy admits exceptional students. Teacher Academy students meet the following criteria:

• High overall high school average
• High grades in mathematics and science courses
• High Regents scores in mathematics and science subjects
• High SAT or ACT scores
• Strong recommendations, at least one from a math or science teacher
• Demonstrated interest in teaching
• U.S. citizenship or legal residency.

Students seeking to teach mathematics should be prepared to enter calculus in their first year of college.

Can I apply to the Teacher Academy from another college?

The Teacher Academy welcomes transfer applications. If you are planning to transfer to one of the Teacher Academy campuses from another college, including CUNY schools, you should first submit a CUNY Transfer Application and then submit a Teacher Academy Supplementary Transfer Application that includes two essay questions. You are also asked to submit two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a college math or science teacher, an official college transcript, a high school transcript, and SAT or ACT scores. The Supplementary Application is available through each Teacher Academy campus.

How can I apply to the Teacher Academy at my campus? I am a freshman at CUNY.

If you are presently a CUNY student and want to apply to the Teacher Academy at your current campus, for admission consideration complete the Teacher Academy Supplementary Transfer Application and include two letters of recommendation. Contact the Teacher Academy program or Admissions Office on your campus for a Supplementary Transfer Application.

Do I have to be a New York State resident to attend The Teacher Academy?

No. You do not need to be a New York State resident to attend The Teacher Academy; however out of state residents are required to complete the two year teaching requirement in New York City after graduation.

Majors in science and mathematics are demanding. How will The Teacher Academy help students succeed?

Your success is our goal at The Teacher Academy. We believe that there are three important components for your success.

First, students entering The Teacher Academy must be well prepared and must demonstrate strong high school performance.

Second, Teacher Academy students will be the beneficiaries of an innovative curriculum in biology, chemistry, geology, and mathematics, supported by dedicated faculty who are committed to student achievement. Students will also be enrolled in special sections linking deep knowledge of the subject matter with sound teaching practice. Successful University professors will produce effective middle and high school teachers.

Third, on each campus, special support programs will be available for Teacher Academy students.

Is a summer internship required?

Internships are strongly recommended for Teacher Academy students because they provide the clinical experience that will make entry into the teaching profession comfortable and more rewarding.

Internships (paid) can be done during the school year in setting such as after school programs, or during summer or the intersession. Students can also consider studying and doing fieldwork abroad in order to gain valuable middle and high school teaching experiences.

Am I limited to teaching just one subject?

In most programs, you will be certified to teach in a major area. However, at CUNY colleges there are opportunities to study related fields simultaneously (chemistry in a biology major, or mathematics combined with physics). Because The Teacher Academy is flexible and innovative, many possibilities exist.

How much money does a NYC teacher earn?

Individuals who enter New York City's teaching force are employed under the terms of contracts negotiated by the United Federation of Teachers with the City of New York. In recent years, those contracts have led to significant increases in starting teachers' salaries of teachers. Look at the chart below to get an idea of what teachers might be making in the future.

Average NYC Teacher Salaries*
Degree	1st Year	10 Years	20 Years
Bachelors	$43,362	$87,949	$103,489
Masters	$48,976	$93,563	$109,103
Masters + 30 credits	$50,495	$95,082	$110,662
*Salaries based on the October 13, 2007 salary schedule in the current contract between the City of New York and the United Federation of Teachers