Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to become a Teaching Assistant? [Return to top]
Level I Teaching Assistant Certificate (valid for 1 year, renewable for 1 year)
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass the New York State Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS)
- Complete Child Abuse and Violence Prevention training courses
Level II Teaching Assistant Certificate (valid for 2 years; not renewable)
- Pass the New York State Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS)
- Complete 6 semester hours of collegiate study toward a baccalaureate degree
- Have 1 year's experience as a Level 1 TA
Level III Teaching Assistant Certificate (continuously valid if meet the professional development requirements (75 hours every 5 years)
- Complete 18 hours of collegiate study (or 12 more than Level II requirement)
Pro-Professional Teaching Assistant (continuously valid if meet the professional development requirements (75 hours every 5 years)
- Complete Level III requirements
- Matriculate in a program leading to a teaching certification or its equivalent or be employed in a program with an articulation agreement.
- TA's at this level may assist
teachers by performing duties such as:
- Working independently with small groups of children so the teacher can work with a large group of individual children;
- Constructing lesson plans in consultation with a classroom teacher;
- Presenting segments of lesson plans under the observation of the classroom teacher;
- Communicating with parents of students; and
- Helping in on-th-job training of new assistants.
What is the beginning hourly rate for (various non-teaching positions)? [Return to top]
- School Monitor or Bus Monitor - $8.68 (sub - $7.87)
- Teaching Assistant - $15,342 (sub - $11.60)
- Teaching Assistant/Health - $15,946 (sub - $12.10)
- Typist Part-time - $10.29 (sub - $10.09)
- Food Service Helper - $8.79 (sub - $7.95)
How do I apply to take a Civil Service exam? [Return to top]
You can call the Dutchess County Personnel hot line at 486-2167 for dates of upcoming exams. You then contact the Dutchess County Personnel Department concerning the filing of an application.
The Dutchess County Personnel Department is also online at www.dutchessny.gov.
How long are applications for non-certified positions kept in HR? [Return to top]
The answer depends on the job class. If a civil service exam in not required, and the individual has the qualifications for the position, we usually keep his/her application active for 3 years. If an opening becomes available, the appropriate administrator (principal or coordinator) will review the applications and call to schedule interviews.
If I am not certified as a teacher in NYS, can I still be a substitute teacher? [Return to top]
Yes, but you must have either a Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree or have a minimum of 60 college credits.
What are the requirements for a teaching position in your District? [Return to top]
New York State certification is required. If your certificate is pending, the following documents are required:
- A letter from your college that you have fulfilled all the requirements for a certificate.
- Evidence that you have passed the NYS Teacher Certification Exams required for your certification area(s).
- Verification that you have completed the two workshops required for NYS certification (Reporting of Child Abuse and School Violence Prevention)
- For information on New York certification requirements, go to the web site of the New York State Education Department's Office of Teaching Initiatives [http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert].
How long are teaching applications kept in Human Resources? [Return to top]
Applications are kept on file for
one year. Reminders are sent out to applicants that if they wish to
have their application kept on file, a current resume is required.
What are the qualifications you require for substitute teachers and what is the rate of pay? [Return to top]
If you have completed a minimum of 60 college credits, you can download the substitute teacher application by visiting the Job Opportunities page. The rate of pay for per diem substitutes is $72.00 per day for NYS certified substitutes and $67.00 per day for uncertified substitutes. NYS certified substitutes are eligible for long-term substitute assignments which are paid on the teacher salary schedule.
I have a teaching certificate from another state. Can I apply for a teaching position in Wappingers? [Return to top]
We are only able to accept applications from candidates who have completed all requirements for NYS certification. If you have a teaching certificate from a state with which New York has certification reciprocity, you may qualify for a Conditional Initial certificate. For additional information and to apply for NYS certification, visit the New York State Education Department website at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/.
How do I file a request to inspect or have copies of records under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)? [Return to top]
Call Human Resources (298-5000, x 114) or click here for an application form, or write a letter clearly identifying what it is you are seeking. See the FOIL section of this site for more details.