Registering for the NYS Teacher Certification Exams (NYSTCE)
If you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) enter all 9s when prompted to enter your SSN. Once you have an SSN you will need to fax the NYSTCE a copy of your SSN card and passport with a cover letter including your assigned NYSTCE ID number requesting that they change your temporary SSN replacement with your actual SSN. NYSTCE fax number is 413-256-7088. You should follow up a few days after to ensure they have received your fax by calling 413-256-2882.
Applying for OPT and NYS Certification
If you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) you must wait until you have one before creating an account on the NYSED TEACH system. If you apply for OPT - Optional Practical Training - the process will generate an SSN which you will use to create your TEACH account and apply for certification. You should apply for OPT as soon as you can but the earliest you can apply is 90 days prior to your completion date. Steinhardt will recommend you for certification using your SSN. Please also see Extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the US
NYCDOE (NYC Public Schools) Employment with OPT Once Your NYS Certificate Has Issued
According to the most recent information available from the NYCDOE, International Students cannot apply for employment with NYC Public Schools until they have a Social Security Number. International Students may qualify for employment in New York City public schools once they hold NYS certification (the NYCDOE often stipulates in designated shortage-area subjects that vary from year to year) and hold an OPT visa. You will be ineligible to apply to work for the NYCDOE unless you hold OPT, have a SSN and have applied on NYSED TEACH and your NYS certificate(s) has issued. Candidates fitting the above criteria may apply online to the NYC Department of Education. Once application is received and reviewed, further instructions will follow. The NYCDOE welcomes all applications but please be advised that candidates who do not fit the above criteria are not eligible for consideration. This policy is subject to change at any time.