It's about great public schools.

Resources

Teacher Certification Resources

The Charter Center’s resources are compiled from NYSED and our experience assisting teachers to navigate the certification process. Schools participating in our Teacher Certification Program will also find additional resources through the HR community of practice.

Please note: There are new guides with current information in development regarding applicants from other states, exam safety nets and what to do as a new teacher. Please check back soon for access to these new guides. In the meantime, you can visit the NYSED TEACH Topics A-Z for current information on all topics related to certification.

Fingerprinting

The Charter Center’s fingerprinting service ended in 2017. We are pleased to have been able to provide the sector with this important program for nearly a decade.

All appointments for fingerprinting now go through the NYSED-approved vendor, Identogo.

NYSED provides guidance on new procedures for fingerprinting here.

Staff Handbook

Clear expectations promote strong performances. A comprehensive staff handbook is the best way to ensure all employees understand the professional standards and culture of the school.

Several extensive handbooks are attached, each with particular strengths. SBuffalo’s CS Handbook has thorough sections on social media and computer use and mentions confidentiality of student records. Hebrew CS Center includes well-developed sections on media relations, social media and conflicts of interest, while Excelsior CS is thorough on employment rules and expectations.

New Rules for Overtime Wages

New U.S. Department of Labor rules on overtime wages are effective as of December 1, 2016. The Charter Center hosted a webinar that examines these changes, notably that the threshold salary for an employee that meets one of the exemption categories has risen to $47,476 annually. We recommend that all schools familiarize themselves with the new rules and understand what changes, if any, need to be made at their school.

Links
PDF iconBe In The Know: New DOL Rules on Overtime [Webinar Audio]

Employee Benefits

These resources will help charter schools decide what employee benefits to offer, and ease the process of setting up benefit plans. Employee Benefits Charter Start Up Training is a presentation created by insurance provider Austin & Company specifically for charter schools. Topics covered include plan administration, contribution strategies, medical and dental coverage, and more. Employee Benefits Basics including a Sample Employee Benefits Package Options & a Benefits Checklist outlines all the steps and paperwork necessary for a new charter school to get started with employee benefits. Benefits Terminology explains commonly-used terms.

Pages