The LEAP to Teacher (LTT) Program at The College of Staten Island helps school and daycare professionals advance their education in teaching and other fields of study that align with their career goals. Whether you are just beginning your college journey, returning to completing a degree, or preparing for teacher certification, LTT provides personalized guidance and support every step of the way.

While many LEAP to Teacher participants pursue careers as classroom teachers, a college education can lead to many professional opportunities. The College of Staten Island offers programs that prepare students for careers in education, psychology, accounting & finance, nursing, business, science, technology, public service, and other fields.

Our team helps you identify the academic pathway that best fits your professional aspirations, navigate the admissions and enrollment process, and stay on track toward earning your degree. Through individualized advising and ongoing support, the LEAP to Teacher Program empowers education professionals to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals.

Contact
Site Coordinator
Winifred Alcorn
Winifred.Alcorn@slu.cuny.edu
Office: 718-982-4081
Call/Text: 347-871-6871

2800 Victory Blvd
Building 3S, Room 209
Staten Island, NY 10314

Prospective Students

  • To learn more about the LTT program and its services, attend one of our monthly LTT open house sessions.
  • Fill out the inquiry form, and our program specialists will contact you to set up a zoom or in-person meeting to answer your questions.

LEAP to Teacher Quick Links

LEAP to Teacher Open House RSVP LEAP to Teacher Inquiry Form LEAP to Teacher Application Scholarship LEAP to Teacher F.A.Qs

Workshops and Courses

Student Success Workshops NY State Teacher Certification Exam Preparation Workshops NY State Teaching Assistant Pathway Workshops New York State Mandatory Training for Educators Career & Professional Development Training

Academic Programs

The College of Staten Island offers a wide range ofundergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs across its four divisions/schools in business, education & social work, science and technology, humanities and social sciences. With a long-standing tradition of preparing educators for New York City and beyond, the School of Education grounds its programs in equity, inclusion, research-based practice, and community engagement. To accommodate working professionals and remote learners, several degree pathways are offered fully online.

Explore the educational pathways and School of Education programs available below.

Undergraduate Studies

The College of State Island offers undergraduate programs designed to prepare students for careers in education and other professional fields. Teacher preparation pathways include:

Teacher preparation pathways include opportunities in areas such as:

Through coursework, field experience, and clinical practice in New York City schools, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to become effective educators.

Graduate Studies

CSI offers graduate programs and advanced certificates for aspiring educators, current teachers, and education professionals seeking career advancement. To accommodate working professionals and remote learners, several degree pathways are offered fully online.

Graduate programs include:

Students benefit from faculty mentorship, certification guidance, field experiences, and professional preparation designed to support success in education careers.

LTT Academic and Career Support

The LEAP to Teacher program provides a full range of support services to undergraduate and graduate students. These services may include:

  • Assistance with the admissions and registration process at CSI
  • Free College Preparation Program
  • Ongoing advisement to ensure a positive and rewarding college experience from pre-admission through graduation
  • Assistance with applying for Financial Aid and accessing other special opportunities including scholarships and D.O.E Career Training Program (CTP) vouchers
  • Online writing support and student success workshops– LEAP to Teacher students can contact Jean Soto, the Writing and Research Consultant, at 718-997-3079 or by emailing jean.soto@slu.cuny.edu
  • Information about NYS requirements for teacher certification and free NYS teacher certification exam preparation workshops
  • Career advisement and assistance with preparing resumes, cover letter, essays, applications
  • Networking with alumni to provide career opportunities
  • Assisting with Teacher job search
  • Sharing professional development opportunities

Workshops and Courses

The LEAP to Teacher program offers a variety of free noncredit courses and workshops designed to enhance students’ skills to pass different certification exams and provide an opportunity to complete some NY State mandatory training for educators.

This series of online workshops introduces LTT students to study skills and provides writing improvement tips. Here are some of the topics covered in the workshops: 1) Classroom skills and note taking 2) Reading Difficult Text 3) Drafting Strategies (4) Paraphrasing/Summarizing (5) APA/MLA Citations (6) Revision Strategies 7) Introductions and Conclusions 8) Time Management 9)  How To Boost your GPA 10) Applying A.I. Tools for Academic Support. Please contact your LTT coordinator to get more information or email ltt@slu.cuny.edu

  • NY State Teacher Certification Exam Preparation Workshops
    These focused exam preparation workshops provide an overview of the exam structure, state-required competencies, test-taking strategies, practice questions, and recommended study resources. Gain a clear understanding of what to expect on exam day and leave with a practical plan for successful preparation.
Content Specialty Test (CST) -The Combined Early & Childhood Multi-Subject (B-6)

These exam preparation workshops focus on the strategies needed to succeed on the Multi-Subject Tests for Birth–Grade 6. Participants will review the overall exam format across all sections, including Math, Literacy and English Language Arts (multiple-choice and constructed responses), as well as Arts and Sciences. The session also offers practical test-taking strategies, tips, and helpful resources to support success on the exams.

Content Specialty Test (CST) - Multi Subject Secondary Teachers (Grade 7–Grade 12)

Multi-Subject CST Exam Preparation Workshops for Grades 7–12 support candidates pursuing Generalist certification, including Special Education 7–12. Covering all three CST parts: Literacy & ELA (241), Mathematics (244), and Arts & Sciences (245). These sessions review key content, test formats, and question types, while providing practice questions, effective test-taking strategies, and additional resources to support exam readiness and build confidence.

Content Specialty Test (CST) - Students with Disabilities (SWD)

This three-hour workshop provides a focused overview of the SWD-CST exam, including its format, objectives, and key competencies. Participants will review sample questions, explore IEPs and disability classifications, and strengthen their skills in analyzing and responding to constructed-response items. The session also offers practical test-taking strategies, tips, and helpful resources to support success on the test.

The Educating All Students (EAS)

This 3-hour Educating All Students (EAS) exam preparation workshop focuses on building the skills needed to teach diverse student populations. Participants will learn effective strategies for approaching multiple-choice questions, developing strong constructed responses, and applying proven test-taking techniques and additional helpful resources to support success on the exam.

  • NY State Teaching Assistant Pathway Workshops
    The New York State Teaching Assistant Pathway Workshops help students explore teaching assistant and paraprofessional career opportunities, as well as the requirements for obtaining New York State Teaching Assistant Certification. These workshops provide guidance on eligibility, hiring processes, certification requirements, exam preparation, and available support programs.
How to Become a Paraprofessional Workshop

This workshop is offered in partnership with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), providing an overview of how to become a NYC Department of Education paraprofessional while exploring long-term career pathways in education. Participants will learn about the paraprofessional role, including eligibility, hiring steps, and union benefits, and will be introduced to LEAP to Teacher, a free support program that helps school and daycare workers advance their education and career.

NY State Teaching Assistant (ATAS) Exam Prep Workshop

This six-week exam preparation workshop is designed for students seeking New York State Teaching Assistant Certification. The program prepares participants for the NYS ATAS exam, with priority admission given to current CUNY students majoring in Education.

School Violence Prevention & Intervention

This required SAVE Project training covers the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act. The course explores strategies to create safe, supportive, and positive school environments.

Child Abuse Identification and Reporting

This three-hour required training on recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse and maltreatment. Participants will learn to identify physical and behavioral signs of abuse, understand their legal responsibilities as mandated reporters, and follow the proper reporting process.

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Training

This 6-hour required DASA training provides an overview of New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) and focuses on preventing bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Participants learn strategies to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all students.

Training in the Needs of Children with Autism

This 3-hour course provides a foundational understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and effective, evidence-based strategies to support students with autism. Participants will explore key characteristics of ASD and learn approaches to create supportive learning environments and strengthen school–family collaboration.

  • Career & Professional Development Training
    Career & Professional Development Training helps educators and school workers strengthen their teaching practice, build classroom skills, and explore career opportunities in education. Offerings include training in math instruction, special education, lesson planning, classroom management, and career pathways beyond the classroom, with select workshops offering CTLE credit hours.

Mathematics for Elementary Education (MFEE) with 20 CTLE credit hours

This 32-hour online course reviews key New York State math competencies for teachers in daycare and elementary settings. It focuses on problem-solving, common misconceptions, and effective teaching strategies. Participants who complete the course may earn 20 CTLE credits. The course also supports preparation for the math sections of the Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education Multi-Subject Content Specialty Tests. LTT students receive priority admission.

Special Education Essentials: Review and Refresher Series with 12 CTLE credit hours

This 18- hour virtual refresher series reviews the key NY State competencies for teachers working with Students with Disabilities, including foundations of special education, the 13 classifications of students with IEPs, assessment-based instruction, and research-based strategies. Participants apply learning through case studies. Completion earns 12 CTLE hours and supports preparation for the Students with Disabilities CST (SWT-CST 060).

Lesson Planning with 1.5 CTLE credit hours

This 90-minute workshop will support educators in strengthening their lesson planning by aligning objectives with standards, using engaging strategies, and ensuring meaningful assessment through student engagement during the lesson. We will also discuss how AI can be a helpful tool for brainstorming and preparation. Participants will complete a pre-and-post assessment which will highlight their growth while earning 1.5 hours in their Continuing Teacher and Leader Education Credits (CTLE)

Classroom Management - Improving positive behavior in the classroom with 2.5 CTLE credit hours

Explore strategies for creating a positive classroom using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This workshop covers classroom design, managing challenging behaviors, teaching key social skills, and building strong relationships. Learn practical approaches for transitions, behavior support, and handling meltdowns. Ideal for early childhood educators. 2.5 CTLE credits provided upon completion.

Job opportunities for educators outside of the classroom - For Education Degrees

This one-hour workshop is designed for those Interested in careers beyond the classroom with an education degree. The workshop explores diverse job opportunities for education majors, highlighting roles and organizations that value educator’s skills. Learn about alternative career paths, industry options, and how to leverage your degree in new and exciting ways.