New York State Exam New York State Teachers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under New York State Education Law, how many years of satisfactory service are required before a teacher earns tenure in a public school?
- 2 years
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 4 years
- 5 years
Correct answer: 3 years
New York Education Law requires three years of probationary service before a teacher can be granted tenure.
Question 2: Which New York State agency is responsible for issuing and revoking teacher certificates?
- New York State Board of Regents
- New York State Education Department (NYSED) (Correct answer)
- State Professional Standards and Practices Board
- New York State Teachers' Retirement System
Correct answer: New York State Education Department (NYSED)
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) issues, renews, and revokes teacher certificates through its Office of Teaching Initiatives.
Question 3: What does the edTPA assessment primarily evaluate for New York teacher candidates?
- Subject-matter content knowledge via a written test
- Classroom readiness through a performance-based portfolio of teaching evidence (Correct answer)
- Pedagogical theory through a timed multiple-choice exam
- Classroom management skills through an in-person observation
Correct answer: Classroom readiness through a performance-based portfolio of teaching evidence
edTPA is a performance-based assessment in which candidates submit a portfolio—including lesson plans, video clips, and student work samples—to demonstrate readiness to teach.
Question 4: A tenured New York City teacher is charged with conduct unbecoming a teacher. Under Education Law §3020-a, which body conducts the hearing?
- The school principal and superintendent jointly
- An independent hearing officer chosen from a panel (Correct answer)
- The local Board of Education acting as a jury
- The New York State Commissioner of Education
Correct answer: An independent hearing officer chosen from a panel
Section 3020-a hearings are presided over by an independent hearing officer selected from a mutually agreed-upon panel, ensuring impartiality.
Question 5: Which certification pathway allows a highly qualified professional with extensive work experience to enter teaching without completing a traditional teacher-preparation program in New York?
- Initial Certificate
- Transitional B Certificate (Correct answer)
- Internship Certificate
- Provisional Certificate
Correct answer: Transitional B Certificate
The Transitional B Certificate allows career-changers with a bachelor's degree to teach while completing required pedagogy coursework.
Question 6: Under New York's Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR), what is the minimum number of observations required each year for a probationary teacher?
- One formal and one informal
- Two formal observations
- At least four observations (Correct answer)
- Three observations—one formal, two informal
Correct answer: At least four observations
APPR regulations require probationary teachers to receive at least four observations per year to support their development.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of the New York State Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)?
- To establish graduation requirements for high school students
- To provide a discrimination- and harassment-free school environment for all students (Correct answer)
- To mandate special education services for students with disabilities
- To set teacher certification standards for diversity competency
Correct answer: To provide a discrimination- and harassment-free school environment for all students
DASA requires schools to create and maintain an environment free of harassment, bullying, and discrimination based on actual or perceived characteristics.
New York State Exam New York State Teachers 2
Under New York State Education Law, how many years of satisfactory service are required before a teacher earns tenure in a public school?