We are so glad you're interested in becoming a Teacher Career Pathways teacher leader! Once you review the qualification and selection process outlined below, visit Application to applyThe 2025-2026 application is now CLOSED. 

What is the Qualification and Selection Process?

A joint NYCPS-UFT committee completes application reviews and interviews in order to determine the qualified pool of teacher leaders. Qualification is valid for two consecutive school years, at which point teacher leaders must requalify for the role. Teacher leaders can be staffed in any NYCPS school, and principals ultimately make all staffing decisions.

Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for MoT or PCT qualification during the 25-26 SY, teachers must be:

1. A current, full-time NYCDOE educator (with at least one class of record; 40% of time spent in the classroom) 

2. Tenured on or before the first day of the school year serving in the role (25-26 SY) 

3. Received an Advance overall rating of "Highly Effective," "Effective," (or "Satisfactory," if applicable) for the preceding school year (2024-25 SY)

4. To apply for for a Master Teacher qualification, your must meet the above eligibility criteria and have served in the PCT role for at least one school year

Qualification: In order to qualify for a TL role, teachers must  complete the following:

1. Online written application on the teacher leader application portal (Applications for 2025-26 will open on December 9)

2. Interview with a joint NYCPS-UFT panel

Selection: Each spring, principals receive details on the pool of eligible teacher leader candidates, and those qualified in their school, and are encouraged to make selections for the following school year. Note that all selection/staffing decisions are at the discretion of the principal.

The Teacher Leader Ambassadors (TLA) play the role of inspiring and informing prospective and current teacher leaders across New York City. The TLA role is held by currently staffed teacher leaders who believe in the power and importance of sustaining teacher leadership efforts and initiatives across the DOE.