In Partnership with
The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator: Earn your teaching degree and certification online
Built for Ambition. Powered for Progress.
The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator, offered in partnership with St. Francis College and New Leaders, is a flexible online degree and teaching certification program designed for those who are ready to take the next steps in their careers– and make a lasting impact in classrooms.
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The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator at New York City Public Schools
You’ve already made a difference in the classroom—now it’s time to take the next step.
The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator is a collaborative initiative between New Leaders, St. Francis College, and New York Public Schools (NYCPS) to recognize the dedication, experience, and impact of paraprofessionals like you. This program is our commitment to you: a flexible, high-quality pathway to full teacher certification that meets you where you are and supports you every step of the way.
We believe the future of our schools depends on growing the talent already inside them—and that means investing in your growth, your leadership, and your ability to shape student success as a certified teacher.
The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator is a collaborative initiative between New Leaders, St. Francis College, and New York Public Schools (NYCPS) to recognize the dedication, experience, and impact of paraprofessionals like you. This program is our commitment to you: a flexible, high-quality pathway to full teacher certification that meets you where you are and supports you every step of the way.
We believe the future of our schools depends on growing the talent already inside them—and that means investing in your growth, your leadership, and your ability to shape student success as a certified teacher.
Program Overview
The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator online degree and teaching certification program, delivered in partnership with St. Francis College (SFC), is designed for working professionals. It honors prior knowledge and on-the-job experience – especially for paraprofessionals and support staff already in classrooms. St. Francis College students can progress through coursework more quickly with relevant experience or transfer credits.
Through The Accelerator program, aspiring teachers can pursue either a St. Francis College online bachelor’s or master’s degree and a dual initial teaching certification. Every course is aligned with state certification requirements and designed to prepare St. Francis College students to meet licensing standards and lead with purpose, skill, and confidence.
Whether just starting out or building on years in the field, all St. Francis College students benefit from a supportive structure that helps them balance work, study, and family.
Through The Accelerator program, aspiring teachers can pursue either a St. Francis College online bachelor’s or master’s degree and a dual initial teaching certification. Every course is aligned with state certification requirements and designed to prepare St. Francis College students to meet licensing standards and lead with purpose, skill, and confidence.
Whether just starting out or building on years in the field, all St. Francis College students benefit from a supportive structure that helps them balance work, study, and family.
“At a time when schools nationwide are grappling with teacher shortages, we are proud to launch the Aspiring Teachers Accelerator in partnership with New Leaders. This initiative is a testament to our continued investment in the growth and development of our incredible paraprofessionals. What makes this program truly unique is its flexibility—meeting each individual where they are and providing the tailored support they need to succeed. This program takes a personalized approach, valuing lived experience and preparing our paraprofessionals to confidently transition into certified teaching roles. Importantly, this initiative is designed to prioritize our hardest-to-staff districts and critical shortage areas—where the need is greatest and the impact will be most profound. It’s one more powerful avenue in our broader commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and strengthening the future of our classrooms.”
— Dr. Patrick Fagan, Chief Talent and Human Resources Officer, NYC Public Schools
Our Approach: The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator Difference
Dual Certification Advantage
St. Francis College students will earn dual certification in elementary education and special education, broadening their skillset, increasing career opportunities, and deepening their impact in the classroom. Double your credentials, expand your impact.
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Personalized Learning
The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator values what participants already know. Aspiring teachers may shorten their time to complete courses for the degree and certification by demonstrating subject mastery, allowing them to reduce — or, in some cases, waive certain course requirements. This creates a more focused and personalized academic experience. Move forward faster, starting from what you already know.
Student Teaching Experience
Every St. Francis College student completes a student teaching experience that turns theory into practice. Guided by a mentor teacher, participants gain hands-on classroom experience, sharpen essential teaching skills, and build the confidence needed to lead and succeed. Real experience that gets you classroom ready.
Designed for Balance
With a flexible, fully online format, The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator empowers St. Francis College students to pursue their degree and certification while managing work, family, and life. Learn on your own schedule without pressing pause on everything else.
Mentorship and Support
From day one, St. Francis College students are matched with dedicated mentors and student success advisors who offer personalized support. Whether it’s navigating coursework, staying motivated, or accessing resources, this built-in guidance helps aspiring teachers stay on track. Get the mentorship you need to keep moving forward.
An Affordable Investment
State and federal grants, subsidies, and financial aid make it possible for St. Francis College students to earn their degree and certification at little to no out-of-pocket cost. Invest in your future without emptying your wallet.
Learning Outcomes
Redefine what’s possible and be ready to make a difference from day one.
We believe teachers are powerful change-makers who help every student realize their full potential. In our program, you’ll build the skills, mindset, and confidence to:
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Design effective, engaging lessons that align to New York State standards and connect classroom learning to real-world issues and students’ lived experiences.
Adapt your teaching to meet the needs of every learner—including students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and those with diverse academic and social-emotional needs.
Create an inclusive classroom community where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn—fostering respect, empathy, and collaboration.
Establish strong routines and use proactive strategies to support positive behavior and keep your classroom focused and supportive.
Use assessments and student feedback to track learning, reflect on what’s working, and adjust instruction to help every student grow.
Honor students’ cultures, languages, and communities by using culturally responsive practices that treat identity and background as learning assets.
Integrate technology into your teaching in ways that boost engagement, deepen understanding, and support student success.
Use a variety of teaching strategies to build student voice, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
Reflect on your practice and seek feedback to continuously improve and grow as a teacher and learner.
Collaborate with colleagues and support teams—including IEP teams—to ensure every student gets the support they need to thrive.
The Accelerator Pathways
Whether you're just getting started or already working in schools, the Aspiring Teachers Accelerator, offered in partnership with St. Francis College, provides a flexible path to earning an online bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. Each degree is aligned with state certification requirements in elementary and special education, helping you take the next step toward licensure and a lasting career in the classroom.
St. Francis College offers two tailored degree pathways to match your background and goals:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Childhood Education - Students with Disabilities + Dual Initial Teacher Certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Teaching Students with Disabilities (All Grades)
For those without a degree. Earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Childhood Education - Students with Disabilities plus a dual initial teacher certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Teaching Students with Disabilities (All Grades) from St. Francis College. Complete up to 138 credits, including coursework in general education, core content, special education and professional studies. Apply up to 98 credit hours of previously earned college credits toward your degree, helping you save time and reduce costs as you work toward certification.
Master of Science (MS) Degree in Education - Special Education + Initial Teacher Certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities (All Grades)
For those with a bachelor’s degree. Earn a Master of Science (MS) degree in Education - Special Education plus an initial teacher certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities (All Grades) from St. Francis College. Complete up to 36 credits, including coursework designed to provide you with critical skills through fieldwork experience and meaningful hands-on opportunities to apply theory to practice. Participants in this program may also have the opportunity to earn credit for an additional certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6).
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Childhood Education - Students with Disabilities + Dual Initial Teacher Certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Teaching Students with Disabilities (All Grades)
Master of Science (MS) Degree in Education - Special Education + Initial Teacher Certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities (All Grades)
* Participants may have an opportunity to earn credit for an additional certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
* Participants may have an opportunity to earn credit for an additional certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
Credit Hours
Up to 138 credit hours
(Up to 98 credit hours of transfer credit may be accepted towards your bachelor’s degree)
(Up to 98 credit hours of transfer credit may be accepted towards your bachelor’s degree)
Up to 36 credit hours
Tuition
$3,300 per semester
$14,000 total program cost
NYCPS Financial Assistance and Priority Placement
Priority Placement
Participants who pursue a full-time teaching position within a high needs NYC Public School district will be eligible to receive additional hiring support, including resume building, interview prep, demo lesson prep, certification exam support, and access to community events.
Financial Assistance
The Career Training Program (CTP) offered by NYCPS provides eligible UFT paraprofessionals with the opportunity to earn their first Bachelor's degree. The program pays tuition for 3 to 6 credits per semester for undergraduate study at a participating college or university. Program participants that are registered for and actively taking five (5) or more credit hours are eligible for two and a half (2.5) hours per week of Release Time to support study. Participating paraprofessionals may also apply for a Summer Stipend to support study. The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator at St. Francis College is an approved program.
Learn More
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Eligibility
To be eligible for The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator, you must:
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Work in New York City Public Schools
Be able to commit to completing at least 6 credits every semester
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Be motivated to pursue a full-time teaching role
No previous teaching experience is required, and participants do not need an associate’s degree to apply. Transfer credits and CLEP exams may apply toward program completion.
Alumni Benefits
When you complete St. Francis College Online Education degree programs within the Aspiring Teachers Accelerator, you’ll join a community of educators committed to making a difference. St. Francis College and New Leaders alumni benefit from:
Access to exclusive job opportunities and placement support
Ongoing professional development and mentorship
Networking with other alumni
Opportunities to advance into leadership roles in education
Tools and training that grow with your career
The Accelerator Program Difference
What makes the Aspiring Teachers Accelerator unique?
It gives you the chance to earn a dual online teaching certification without having to pause your career or uproot your life.
The program honors what you already know—your work experience, prior education, and lived expertise—making it unlike most teaching certification programs
You’ll receive mentorship, personalized guidance, and real-time classroom experience—all in a format that puts you in control of your learning journey.
The Aspiring Teachers Accelerator at St. Francis College prepares you for immediate success in the classroom and long-term career growth.
Valuing Experience
Earn credit for what you already know through assessments.
Supporting Working Adults
Designed for people with jobs, families, and real-life responsibilities.
Prioritizing Results
Prepares you for licensure, employment, and long-term success.
About St. Francis College
St. Francis College is an institution of higher education rooted in a commitment to academic excellence, compassionate hospitality, and ethical leadership. Inspired by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, and founded by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, the College prepares students to serve and thrive in a global community and help shape a just society.
Our academic programs are student-customized in an environment that connects, coordinates, and electrifies our entire community. The “student-first” approach that sustains this vibrant culture takes shape in our honors program, our centers for excellence, learning and leadership, our opportunity programs, clubs and student organizations, internships and volunteer opportunities, tutoring services, interfaith support, and more. It is our commitment that a liberal arts education is foundational and enhances student success in any major or career path.
St. Francis College serves over 4,000 students from the five boroughs of New York City, although their backgrounds represent nearly 80 countries and 40-plus languages. SFC plays a vital role in helping students find their place as leaders and impactful members in their fields and community just as the Franciscan Brothers envisioned over 165 years ago.
Our academic programs are student-customized in an environment that connects, coordinates, and electrifies our entire community. The “student-first” approach that sustains this vibrant culture takes shape in our honors program, our centers for excellence, learning and leadership, our opportunity programs, clubs and student organizations, internships and volunteer opportunities, tutoring services, interfaith support, and more. It is our commitment that a liberal arts education is foundational and enhances student success in any major or career path.
St. Francis College serves over 4,000 students from the five boroughs of New York City, although their backgrounds represent nearly 80 countries and 40-plus languages. SFC plays a vital role in helping students find their place as leaders and impactful members in their fields and community just as the Franciscan Brothers envisioned over 165 years ago.
Recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution and ranked among the top U.S. colleges for social mobility, SFC is a mission-aligned partner in preparing diverse, community-rooted educators for today’s classrooms.
Together, New Leaders and SFC deliver a flexible, high-quality teaching certification program that leads to a dual online teaching certification—equipping participants to thrive as full-time educators and make an impact where it matters most.
SFC Education Program
The mission of the teacher preparation programs at St. Francis College is to equip candidates with the professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively teach all students. Through an academically relevant curriculum, and in a welcoming and affirming environment, the department supports its candidates to embrace an ethic of care and a sustaining pedagogy in their instructional approach and practice. The program of study also embodies a deep commitment to the Franciscan ideals of collegiality, compassion, human dignity, and service to others. Graduates of the teacher preparation programs will enjoy careers in teaching and school leadership in New York City and beyond. St. Francis College’s teacher preparation programs are fully accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), demonstrating that the programs have participated in rigorous self-study and peer review to ensure ongoing quality across the P-12 educational system.
Together, New Leaders and SFC deliver a flexible, high-quality teaching certification program that leads to a dual online teaching certification—equipping participants to thrive as full-time educators and make an impact where it matters most.
SFC Education Program
The mission of the teacher preparation programs at St. Francis College is to equip candidates with the professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively teach all students. Through an academically relevant curriculum, and in a welcoming and affirming environment, the department supports its candidates to embrace an ethic of care and a sustaining pedagogy in their instructional approach and practice. The program of study also embodies a deep commitment to the Franciscan ideals of collegiality, compassion, human dignity, and service to others. Graduates of the teacher preparation programs will enjoy careers in teaching and school leadership in New York City and beyond. St. Francis College’s teacher preparation programs are fully accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), demonstrating that the programs have participated in rigorous self-study and peer review to ensure ongoing quality across the P-12 educational system.
Learn More About This Partnership
About New Leaders
New Leaders is a national nonprofit that has prepared over 8,000 transformational school leaders across the country. For more than 25 years, New Leaders has equipped educators to be powerful and positive forces for change. We bring two decades of experience providing best-in-class training—for teachers, principals, and their supervisors—to accelerate learning for every student in every classroom, every year.
Through initiatives like the Aspiring Teachers Accelerator, New Leaders continues its commitment to developing instructional talent that reflects and strengthens the school communities we serve. Our teaching certification program is trusted by districts and built in partnership with accredited universities to meet real classroom needs.
Through initiatives like the Aspiring Teachers Accelerator, New Leaders continues its commitment to developing instructional talent that reflects and strengthens the school communities we serve. Our teaching certification program is trusted by districts and built in partnership with accredited universities to meet real classroom needs.
Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
We know that going back to school is a big decision—especially when you’re balancing work, family, and everything else life throws your way.
Whether you're exploring your options or ready to enroll, our team is here to help.
Reach out anytime—we’re happy to answer your questions, talk through your goals, and help you figure out the best path forward.
Whether you're exploring your options or ready to enroll, our team is here to help.
Reach out anytime—we’re happy to answer your questions, talk through your goals, and help you figure out the best path forward.
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