BUFFALO STATE UNIVERSITY
DIRECTORY OF POLICY STATEMENTS
Category: Academic Affairs
Policy No.: I:03:00
Date Established: (to be determined)
Responsible Office: Teacher Certification Office
Date Posted to Directory: (to be determined)
This policy outlines Buffalo State University’s processes for recommending graduates of approved educator preparation programs for New York State (NYS) teacher certification and for verifying preparation for out‑of‑state certification. Requirements for NYS certification are established by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and are subject to change without notice. This policy centralizes campus responsibilities and applicant steps and directs candidates to the Teacher Certification Office for current requirements and forms.
Buffalo State maintains a Teacher Certification Office (TCO) that serves students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the public on all topics related to NYS teacher certification. Upon completion of an NYSED‑approved educator preparation program at Buffalo State, candidates are eligible to receive an institutional recommendation to NYSED. Candidates must complete the university Release Authorization Form authorizing the TCO to use their Social Security Number solely for the purpose of submitting the college recommendation to NYSED. Candidates are responsible for completing any additional NYSED requirements in effect at the time of application (e.g., fingerprint clearance, appropriate certification examinations, and required workshops). The TCO also verifies program completion for graduates seeking certification in other states. Current requirements and forms are maintained on the Teacher Certification Office website.
The Vice Provost for Academic Affairs has overall oversight of this policy. The Director of the Teacher Certification Office administers the policy, maintains current procedures aligned with NYSED requirements, and coordinates with academic departments and the Registrar. The policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect NYSED changes.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Approved Educator Preparation Program | A Buffalo State program registered with NYSED that leads to an institutional recommendation for teacher certification. |
| Institutional (College) Recommendation | The electronic verification submitted by Buffalo State to NYSED confirming a candidate has completed an approved program and is recommended for certification. |
| TEACH System | NYSED’s online portal used for certification applications, fingerprint status, and issuance of certificates. |
| NYSTCE | New York State Teacher Certification Examinations required for specific certificate titles, as determined by NYSED. |
| OSORAP Fingerprint Clearance | Background check through NYSED’s Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability required for certification and/or employment, as applicable. |
| Required Workshops | State‑mandated trainings (e.g., child abuse identification, school violence prevention, DASA) required for certification, as determined by NYSED. |
| Step | Candidate Action | University Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete an NYSED‑approved educator preparation program at Buffalo State | Department verifies program completion | Program completion is audited by the department and recorded with the Registrar |
| 2 | Submit Release Authorization Form to the TCO | TCO records authorization and prepares electronic recommendation | SSN used only to transmit NYSED recommendation |
| 3 | Create/Update TEACH account and submit certification application | — | Applicants choose appropriate certificate title/grade level |
| 4 | Complete NYSED requirements (fingerprint clearance, required exams, and workshops) | — | Requirements are set by NYSED and may change |
| 5 | Request institutional recommendation (if not automatic) | TCO submits electronic recommendation to NYSED upon verification | Timing depends on confirmation of program completion and required data |
| 6 | Monitor TEACH for status and respond to NYSED requests | — | NYSED issues certificate when all items are satisfied |
| 7 | (If seeking out‑of‑state certification) Provide forms to TCO for verification | TCO verifies completion of approved program for other states | Processing times vary by state |
Appeals or concerns regarding program completion verification are addressed first with the academic department, then with the TCO Director. Policy grievances follow the university academic appeals process, as applicable.
Candidates are responsible for submitting applications, forms, and fees; completing NYSED requirements; and monitoring certification status in TEACH.
Teacher Certification Office maintains procedures, submits recommendations, verifies out‑of‑state completion requests, and provides guidance.
Academic Departments/Program Directors verify completion of approved programs and supply curriculum information required by NYSED.
Registrar confirms degree conferral and program codes needed for recommendations.
Teacher Certification Office website (current requirements and forms)
Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog – Educator Preparation Programs
NYSED – Teacher Certification (TEACH) Portal and guidance
NYSTCE program information
Fingerprint clearance (OSORAP) information
Teacher Certification Office
Buffalo State University
Website: https://teachercertification.buffalostate.edu
Email/Phone: (to be determined)
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| August 2025 | Draft created from legacy DOPS I:03:00 and reformatted into Directory of Policy Statements template. |
To be completed upon Cabinet approval.
