Quick Facts - The City University of New York

Note: Admissions to the Teacher Academy are currently suspended.

Today's students will be tomorrow's local and global leaders. The Teacher Academy is an innovative partnership between The City University of New York (CUNY) and the NYC Department of Education, uniting to ensure New York City's students experience the highest quality of education.

Who is eligible?

The Teacher Academy is a selective program. Students admitted to The Academy 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 with at least one from a math or science teacher
Demonstrated interest in teaching

Why mathematics and science?

The achievements of mathematicians and scientists contribute significantly to society's well being and prosperity, and they affect the lives of millions of people. That is why, at the most essential level, our future depends upon mathematics and science teachers who inspire students to pursue a range of advanced careers in education, medicine, research, and industry. Mathematics and science teachers also prepare well-educated citizens who will respond creatively and conscientiously to the contemporary challenges we encounter as a scientifically advanced society. It is The Teacher Academy's mission to produce these kinds of teachers.

Why The Teacher Academy?

The Teacher Academy is a new and innovative model of undergraduate teacher preparation. In most cases, prospective teachers are not placed in school classrooms and do not even begin taking education courses until the final two years of their undergraduate career. And the courses they take in their major subjects don't necessarily prepare them to teach those subjects.

However, students in The Teacher Academy follow a rigorous and imaginative curriculum and are immediately introduced into New York City's middle and high school classrooms. Teacher Academy students are in public schools from the very beginning of their studies. Our goal is for students to spend nearly 1,000 hours in schools or other learning environments before they graduate.

Students are also actively engaged in courses designed to help them think about how people learn. Students take college courses in math and science with faculty who know they're preparing to become math and science teachers themselves. This creates opportunities for students (and current faculty) to better understand the relationship between learning and teaching on both collegiate and secondary school levels.

Where is The Teacher Academy located?

Nine CUNY campuses are part of The Academy and serve as a student's home campus. The Teacher Academy includes senior and community college programs throughout the five boroughs.

Borough of Manhattan Community College
Brooklyn College
The City College
College of Staten Island
Hostos Community College
Hunter College
Lehman College
Queens College
York College

How do I apply?

The Teacher Academy accepts freshman applications for admission in the fall term only.
Students may apply to The Teacher Academy by completing an application for admission online at www.cuny.edu/apply .
Freshmen applicants need to complete only one application for admission.
The Teacher Academy does accept transfer applications. Transfer students are required to complete a minimum of two years full-time in The Teacher Academy.
Transfer applicants complete an application for transfer admission at www.cuny.edu/apply for general admission and then, complete a Supplemental Application to The Teacher Academy available through the campus admissions office or available to download at campus Teacher Academy program's web page.

When will I know if I'm admitted to The Teacher Academy?

Admission notification is a two step process. An applicant will first receive an admission decision from a CUNY college and then, a few weeks later receive notification from The Teacher Academy.

What are the deadlines to apply?

Freshman applicants may apply for early decision or regular decision. Applicants who apply for early decision and are admitted make a binding commitment to attend The Teacher Academy. At the discretion of the participating CUNY college, some early decision applicants may be considered for regular decision instead. Refer to the table below for application deadlines and notification dates.

Decision Type	Deadline	Notification for College Admission	Notification for Teacher Academy Admission
Early Decision	November 15	December 15	December 15
Regular Decision	January 15*	February 15	March 15
College Transfers	April 1*	May 1	May 1

* NOTE: Applications received after January 15 and April 1 will be considered as program space permits.

What are the benefits of being a Teacher Academy student?

Each student who enrolls in The Teacher Academy is eligible for:

Four years of tuition and fees, leading to a baccalaureate degree in mathematics or science with initial certification to teach in middle and/or high school.
Stipends for internships during the school year and summer.
A full-time teaching position within the New York City Department of Education upon successful completion of The Teacher Academy program including course work, field work, and pre-employment screening. Please visit the New York State Education Department website at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert for certification requirements.

In The Teacher Academy, students pursue a rigorous and imaginative curriculum at the same time they are introduced to the joys and challenges of a middle or high school classroom in New York City.

Teacher Academy students also:

Experience a "college within a college" community.
Learn about teaching in a middle or high school setting.
Work alongside award-winning CUNY faculty and researchers.
Join a community of teachers and life-long learners.