External Resources and Policy Upates

In September 2022, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) released new guidance allowing undocumented students enrolled in education programs to do fieldwork, take State certification exams, and/or student teach in certain schools in New York State. Under this policy, undocumented students who do not have a social security number (SSN) can student teach in charter schools, independent (private) schools, and/or some schools in and outside New York City. This guidance was updated in April 2024 (see here).

In addition, undocumented students without US citizenship, legal residency, or a SSN can receive initial certification, which is valid for five years. However, citizenship or legal residence is still required for initially certified educators to advance to professional certification.

The new NYSED policy will open the path for undocumented educators to bring their skills and lived experiences to the classroom, where they are so urgently needed. In "The State of Undocumented Educators in New York" report (2021), CUNY-IIE’s UndocuEdu team details the experiences of DACA recipients and undocumented professionals in the education field. Based on focus groups and a survey of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients, the report describes the challenges and conditions they face to obtain a degree in education and work in their field. It also provides recommendations for institutions that can open the path for undocumented educators. 

Important resources:

1. FAQ for Undocumented Students enrolled in CUNY Education Programs by CUNY’s Office of the University Dean for Education

2. Information on Educator preparation-related questions by CUNY’s Office of the University Dean for Education. For additional questions on educator preparation at CUNY colleges, email CUNY's Office of the University Dean for Education at Teacher.Education@cuny.edu. 

3. For possible updates on this information, please go to the CUNY Teacher Education Programs website.

The report's key recommendations include the following:

• Creating educator pipeline programs for all education students regardless of immigration status.

• Waiving testing fees for all students who demonstrate financial need.

• Creating sustainable solutions to hire educators without work authorization. 

• Including the undocumented experience in the curriculum—particularly in teacher education programs and other fields related to education services.

• Providing explicit and transparent information about the requirements and qualifications needed to finish undergraduate programs in education as they pertain to non-citizen students. 

The authors also recommended eliminating the social security number required for certification exams and student teaching. CUNY-IIE applauds NYSED’s recent enactment of this policy change, which will enable undocumented students to advance their careers as educators. Nevertheless, further policy changes are still needed for undocumented educators to be able to fully contribute their skills and lived experiences as teachers in classrooms throughout New York State.