Bilingual/TESOL Intensive Teacher Institute (ITI)
The Bilingual/TESOL Intensive Teacher Institute (ITI) program, offered in partnership with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), offers current content and classroom teachers the opportunity to achieve additional New York State certification in teaching PreK-12 English to Speakers of Others Language (ESOL) or Bilingual Extension (applicants choose one). Over a five-course sequence, you will learn the skills necessary to teach multilingual learners using specialized methods and techniques that differ from those used by teachers of English to native speakers. You will also receive specialized mentoring and coaching feedback throughout the program. Upon successful completion of the program, you will earn New York State certification in ESOL as an additional certification or Bilingual extension.
The Bilingual/TESOL ITI program is only open to certified teachers who are currently teaching in NYC Public Schools. Tuition is significantly subsidized by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Bilingual/TESOL ITI Cohorts begin coursework each Fall.
Credits: 15
Certification: ESOL PreK-12 or Bilingual Extension
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
This program is designed for applicants who hold a New York State teacher certification and are currently teaching in a NYCPS school.
Applicants in TESOL must meet the following admission requirements:
- A master’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0
- New York State certification in one of the following areas:
- Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2)
- Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
- Middle Childhood Education (Grades 5-9)
- Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12)
- Special Subjects
- Students with Disabilities
- Literacy Education
- College coursework in linguistics and English grammar
- 6 credits in English, 12 credits in a language other than English at the college level, 6 credits in social studies (with at least one course in U.S. history or U.S. geography), and 12 credits in math/science/technology (a college course in calculus meets 6 credits of this requirement)
Applicants in Bilingual Extension must meet the following admission requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0 or a master’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.5
- New York State teacher certification in
- Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2)
- Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
- Common Branches (PreK – Grade 6)
- Middle Childhood Education (Grades 5-9)
- Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12)
- Special Subjects
- Literacy Education
- Students with Disabilities in Early Childhood, Childhood, Middle Childhood, or Adolescent Education or Special Education (Birth – Grade 12)
- Teachers of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, or Speech and Language Impaired
- An on-site writing sample in English and in Spanish, French, or Chinese and an interview conducted in English and in Spanish, French, or Chinese to demonstrate speaking, reading, and writing fluency
All applicants must also submit:
- Proof of employment as a teacher in a NYCPS school
- A letter of recommendation from your principal
- A statement of purpose – Explain why are you interested in pursuing advanced coursework and certification in TESOL or Bilingual Education.
To Apply
Applications are now being accepted via the Summer 2025 Cohort Application.
Application Deadline
Deadline: March 15, 2025