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:

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

• 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.