Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in New York, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in New York
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 7
A public school teacher plans and provides instruction and material for the common branch subjects in the lower and upper elementary grades
- academic subjects at the middle and secondary grade level such as English, mathematics, the sciences and social studies
- special subjects such as music, physical education, occupational education, teaching students with disabilities at the early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, and secondary levels.
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Education Department • Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$80,750 median (28% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#4 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to NYS Education Department~Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New York
With a median salary of $80,750, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New York earn 28% above the national median of $63,000. New York ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$80,750Hourly estimate
$38.8228% above national median
Difference: +$17,750
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#4 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $90,530 |
| #2 | Washington | $85,340 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| #4 | New York | $80,750 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $78,820 |
Nearby States Comparison
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $80,750 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $63,220 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $78,820 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $81,220 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $75,660 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $64,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Pennsylvania | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NYS Education Department • Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education
89 Washington Avenue, Education Building, 5N, Albany, NY, 12234
Phone: 5184743901
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $110,000 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $100,110 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $108,700 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,270 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in New York?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in New York?
The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in New York.
What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in New York?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New York is $80,750. Salaries range from $57,380 (10th percentile) to $132,100 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in New York compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New York earn 28% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $80,750.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in New York?
New York employs approximately 20,500 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to New York from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education. Review agency details at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/.
How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in New York?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.