If you're enrolled in the 7-12 Students with Disabilities – Generalist Trans-B program, you may be able to add a subject-area extension to your certification. This article explains who should consider adding one, what you'll need to be eligible, and how to submit your request.

In this article:

• Who may wish to add a subject-area extension and why
• What you should know before requesting
• How to request a subject-area extension
• After you submit your request

Who May Wish to Add a Subject-Area Extension and Why

Any special education teacher who teaches one or more subject areas in a self-contained class in grades 7–12 (with some or no students under alternate assessment)  must hold a separate certification in each subject they teach, in addition to their Students with Disabilities certification. 

For example, if you teach both math and ELA to the same self-contained class, you'd need certifications in Secondary Mathematics and Secondary ELA, on top of your Students with Disabilities 7-12 certification.

Teacher candidates in the 7-12 Students with Disabilities – Generalist Trans-B program may add a subject-area extension, either while enrolled at Relay or after completing the program.

What You Should Know Before Requesting

Pre-requisites

To be eligible for a subject-area extension on your Transitional B certificate, you must have completed 12 credits in one of the following content areas prior to admission to Relay:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth science
• English Language Arts (ELA)
• General science
• Languages other than English
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Social studies

Note that cognate credits — courses that apply a subject area rather than being directly in it — are not accepted toward this requirement.

Talk to your Manager of Student Success first

Before submitting a request, we recommend connecting with your Manager of Student Success. Together, you can determine:

• Whether your current teaching context and setting require a subject-area extension
• Whether you are eligible for one
• Whether your preparation program (such as TFA, NYCTF, or EdPrep) needs to approve the addition
• How to move forward with your request if you are eligible

How to Request a Subject-Area Extension

Once you've connected with your advisor, submit your request using the Area of Study (AOS) Change Form, found in the Student Support tab of your status page.

1. Go to your Student Support tab [LINK NEEDED]
2. Navigate to the Status Page
3. Complete the form and match your selections to the guidance shown in the screenshot below:
4. In the text box, specify which subject-area extension(s) you are requesting.

After You Submit Your Request

The Relay NY certification team will review your transcripts and confirm your eligibility.

Your Manager of Student Success is your point of contact for any questions after you've submitted. Feel free to ask them about your request status, processing timelines, or anything else that comes up.

Reach out to them directly at [email protected].