Professional Development


Many professional development opportunities are available to new and experienced teachers and teaching assistants (paraprofessionals). These activities are designed to improve the quality of classroom instruction; enable individuals to grow professionally; introduce practitioners to the practical applications of research-validated strategies; and help teachers meet their license and salary differentials. Some of these activities are school-based while others are Citywide.

Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program (LEAP)

Learn more about LEAP.

Division of Academics, Performance, and Support (DAPS) Mentoring

Teachers who are new to the teaching profession are assigned to a mentor by the DAPS/Mentoring.

Please note: This was formerly known as "New Teacher Induction."

PD & Student Opportunities

The Professional Development and Student Opportunities pages provide upcoming professional development and student opportunities offered city-wide (opportunities are organized by school level).

New York City After School Professional Development Program

All teachers are eligible to take "P" In-Service courses from the New York City After School Professional Development Program. In-Service courses offer teachers high-quality, convenient, low-cost alternatives to college courses that may be applied toward salary differentials and New York State professional development requirements. Courses are designed to improve student achievement through the professional development of teachers. Courses are also offered to secretaries for salary advancement.

Please note: Guidance counselors may take only guidance and counseling or special education courses.

Note for school secretaries: An educational differential requires 60 credits from approved colleges, business schools, or “P” In-Service courses.

For the current course catalogue and registration information, click to access the ASPDP System.


College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Teachers, school secretaries, and paraprofessionals can receive college credits by earning qualifying scores on CLEP tests. Click for more information about CLEP tests.


AED/CPR Training Program

Click for information about the Department of Education's AED/CPR Training Program.


Summer Stipend Program

Paraprofessionals attending and completing six (6) credits/semester hours of study during the summer semester may be eligible to receive a summer stipend.  Click for more information about the Summer Stipend Program.


Bilingual Pupil Services Program

The Bilingual Pupil Services Program is open to paraprofessionals who are fluent in English and one of the following languages: Spanish, Chinese or Haitian-Creole.

The Bilingual Pupil Services Program is hosting an Open House event on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Click for more information about the BPS Open House event.


Teach NYC Programs

Click for information about financial support available for current and future teachers, paraprofessionals, family workers, and career changers through Teach NYC Programs.