Our Vision

We are training a critical mass of great teachers who believe that change starts in the classroom. The NYC Teaching Fellows program prepares college graduates and career changers to become exceptional teachers, using their skills and experiences to ignite students’ imaginations—and challenge them to dream big. Today, more than 10,000 Fellows teach high-needs subjects, including Special Education, Science, Math, and Spanish in New York City classrooms.

New York City’s classrooms reflect the vibrancy of one of the most diverse cities in the world. With more than 1.1 million students, 1 in 50 of our nation’s public school students study in an NYC classroom. Across our city’s highest-need neighborhoods, schools struggle to attract and retain the talented teachers that our students deserve. A great teacher in critical subjects like math, science, and special education can have a huge and lasting impact on students’ lives, helping them realize their potential and meet their goals.

NYC Teaching Fellows is one of the country’s largest and most selective alternative routes to teacher certification. Our training program hones the essential skills new teachers need to be ready to lead a classroom on day one—and make a difference for the students who need them the most. Our teachers believe that every lesson has the power to inspire, every hour in the classroom is precious, and every student has the opportunity to achieve success. They know that having even one amazing teacher can make a meaningful difference in a student's life.