Res. No. 260
Title
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to adopt A.09943 to amend the education law, in relation to citizenship requirements for permanent teacher certification.
Body
By Council Member Stewart, the Speaker (Council Member Miller), Council Members Jennings, Clarke, Sanders, Dilan, Fidler, Sears, Addabbo, Baez, Barron, Brewer, Comrie, DeBlasio, Felder, Katz, Liu, Martinez, McMahon, Monserrate, Quinn, Recchia, Reed, Seabrook, Vann, Weprin, Jackson, Gallagher and Lanza
Whereas, Providing children with a quality education is one of the most valuable investments we can make, as their knowledge and achievements will provide the foundation for the future of our communities and our nation; and
Whereas, Currently, in New York City alone, it is estimated that approximately 16,000 teachers are uncertified; and
Whereas, Under current law, legal resident immigrants who are trained and qualified as teachers are ineligible for permanent teaching certification; and
Whereas, Assembly bill A.09943 would permit qualified non-citizen immigrants who are permanent residents of the United States to become permanently certified teachers if they meet all the requirements for permanent certification other than citizenship; and
Whereas, Specifically, this measure will directly respond to the growing shortage of certified teachers statewide by allowing qualified legal resident immigrants to become permanently certified as teachers, thereby increasing the pool of certified teachers available to educate our children; and
Whereas, By permitting legal resident immigrants to become certified, we will not only help to ensure that our children are provided with the best possible education, but we will also facilitate the improvement of our school ratings and our school system overall; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to adopt A.09943 to amend the education law, in relation to citizenship requirements for permanent teacher certification.
TMQ
LS # 364