Supporting Immigrants in Schools

A four-part video series and resource guide that provides information and illustrates successful practices in order to support educators in creating safe and welcoming environments for immigrant students and families.

Comprehensive Educator Modules

CUNY-IIE has worked together with educators and community members to create professional development modules around the Supporting Immigrants in Schools Video Series videos: Key Immigration Issues, Immigration in Elementary Schools, Immigration in Secondary Schools, and Refugees and Immigrants in Schools. Each module features a set of activities and guides to help educators learn, act, and advocate in the classroom.

UndocuEdu is an immigrant-led initiative that uplifts undocumented educators. This team is made up of directly-impacted community educators and teachers in NYC. They work together to center the narratives of current and aspiring undocumented educators.

A report that describes the challenges and conditions faced by undocumented immigrants to obtain a degree in education and work in their discipline. Based on focus groups and a survey of undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients, the report outlines the obstacles that undocumented immigrants face to attain quality education and credentials to serve as educators in New York State.

This report has not been reviewed by the New York State Education Department.

CUNY-IIE’s Note: 

In September 2022, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) released new guidance that allows undocumented students enrolled in education programs to do fieldwork and/or student teach in certain schools in New York State. Under this policy, undocumented students who do not have a social security number can student teach in charter schools, independent (private) schools, and/or some schools inside and outside New York City. This new NYSED policy guidance will make it easier for undocumented students to complete a degree in education. 

CUNY published this FAQ, which provides detailed information to access this new process for fingerprinting and clinical placements. If you have any questions, you can share this document and contact faculty or staff at your college’s school of education or university dean’s office. 

UndocuEdu’s 2021 report, The State of Undocumented Educators in New York, recommended removing the social security number requirement to allow undocumented students to student teach and take state certification exams. CUNY-IIE applauds this policy change and recognizes the efforts of all those who are working to put undocumented students on track to receive education degrees and certification in New York State. 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.

Important resources:

• FAQ for Undocumented Students enrolled in CUNY Education Programs 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.

Beyond Status: Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Advocacy in Education

This video delves into the lives of two DACA recipients who share their career trajectories and reflect on navigating their educational journeys as undocumented immigrants. Through personal interviews, this video portrays how education and resilience can reshape lives, motivating others to chase their dreams and cultivate a kinder, more supportive community. 

Access for All: The Need for More Immigrant Educators

This video portrays the experience of three college students with different legal statuses who have been positively impacted by undocumented educators. The students speak about their dreams of becoming educators and inspiring others, and share anxieties that their immigration status will limit their ability to become educators.

Flipping the Script: Undocumented Immigrants are the Educators

This video includes interviews with two current New York City educators - a DACA recipient and a formerly undocumented immigrant - who have navigated the teacher certification process to become educators. The educators talk about the policies that are obstacles for them and their peers to become teachers in New York.

Redefining Teaching: Immigrant Community Educators

This video highlights two community educators who have redefined teaching due to discriminatory policies that prevent them from teaching in New York’s PreK-12 schools due to their immigration status. These community educators exemplify the non-traditional paths that immigrants have taken to serve as educators, either by facilitating, consulting, care taking and/or creating curricula for educational purposes. 

Undocumented Youth: Reshaping Education through Community

In this video, youth from the New York State Youth Leadership Council sit in conversation and answer questions about their roles as community educators. During the dialogue, they delve into how they are empowering immigrant youth through leadership development, educational advancement, and self-expression. They also share their experiences as undocumented youth in New York City schools; speak about the lack of resources available for undocumented high school students; and how they have been able to support and educate each other through community.

Check out NYSYLC's website at https://www.nysylc.org/

Community Educators in Action: MinKwon Center

This video highlights the space MinKwon Center has created for undocumented youth, through their Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), and the work of community organizers. Through YEP, the educators highlighted in this video have been able to engage in advocacy work and self-expression. In this conversation, they share their experiences as undocumented youth and delve deeper into what it is like taking on the role of community educators. The video also speaks to the work that the organization has been doing with the Asian American community in Queens and beyond.

Check out MinKwon Center for Community Action's website at http://www.minkwon.org/.

Led By:

Guadalupe Ambrosio

Farah Said

Laura Pamplona

Carlos Pérez Valle

Isamar Jimenez-Vazquez

Roxana Herrera

Chaewon (Jessica) Park

Jan Heli Bautista

A Pilot Program by the New York State Youth Leadership Council

This guide includes a description of the pilot program, examples of the work done, and how that work was supported by the NYSYLC through monthly meetings and a youth fellowship. This guide also includes recommendations for schools that want to create their own immigrant liaison position, particularly regarding hiring and funding, with a priority placed on hiring immigrants and especially non-citizens.

This report has not been reviewed by the New York State Education Department.

A Guide for School Educators

This guide is intended for school staff and community members who are interested in creating an immigrant liaison position at their school. This guide includes:

• A description of the immigrant liaison position

• Typical duties and responsibilities of an immigrant liaison

• Tips on creating an immigrant liaison position at your school, including what to consider in the selection process, how to fund

  the position, and where to look for support outside of your school

• Suggestions from the immigrant liaisons in the pilot program on how to get started

This report has not been reviewed by the New York State Education Department.