1. How much is the Early Commitment Stipend?
The Early Commitment Stipend is a one-time payment to candidates who make an Early Commitment to an eligible school by June 15, 2026. It is intended to support new teacher candidates as they set up their classrooms and prepare for the new school year.
The stipend amount differs by district:
| District | Early Commitment Stipend Amount |
| Schools in districts 7, 9, 12, 32, and 75, including District 79 and ACCESS schools within these geographic districts | $5,000 |
| Schools in districts 8, 10, 11, 16, 17, 19, 23, and 27, including District 79 and ACCESS schools within these geographic districts | $3,000 |
2. What subject areas qualify for the Early Commitment Stipend?
In 2026, traditional teacher candidates who are certified in all subject areas may be eligible for the Early Commitment Stipend. Stipends are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The stipend is only for traditional teacher candidates new to NYC Public Schools. Current and former NYCPS employees are ineligible.
3. Which schools are eligible to make an Early Commitment?
All schools in the following districts are eligible to make Early Commitments to candidates:
Districts 7-12, 16, 17, 19, 23, 27, 32, 75, and select district 79 and ACCESS schools within those geographic districts.
4. How is an Early Commitment made?
Step 1: A school makes an offer to a new teacher candidate, either verbally or in writing, and tells them they want to make them an Early Commitment. Early Commitment eligible schools are the only schools able to secure candidates before the release of school budgets.
Step 2: The principal or other hiring manager initiates the process by searching for the candidate in their New Teacher Finder account and clicking the Hiring Commitment button. Only candidates who have a completed form in the NTF will be considered to have an Early Commitment.
Step 3: The New Teacher Finder will email the candidate with a link to a Hiring Commitment Form. The candidate must click on and accept the Hiring Commitment within five business days of receipt. There is also an option to decline. After the candidate makes their decision in the NTF, a confirmation email will be generated for the hiring manager. If the candidate accepts, they will be hidden from the candidate pool. Candidates will receive two reminders. After that time, if no action is taken, TRQ will consider the offer as declined, and the hiring manager will be notified.
Step 4: Congratulations! The Early Commitment is made once the candidate has accepted. Early Commitment candidates should be added to a school’s Table of Organization just as they would any other new hire, as soon as the school receives their budget. Hiring managers should stay in touch throughout the process and begin onboarding new teachers into their school community. TRQ will contact eligible traditional candidates after June 15 regarding the steps to receive their stipend.
5. What is the deadline for submitting an Early Commitment and qualifying for the stipend?
To qualify, Early Commitments must be completed in the New Teacher Finder (all forms completed) by June 15. TRQ will review all forms for eligibility. Candidates and principals will be notified of final stipend eligibility by July 15.
6. When and how will the Early Commitment Stipends be distributed to candidates?
Stipends will be distributed with NYCPS payroll checks before October 30, 2026.
7. What happens if a school does not receive the budget for an Early Commitment position?
98% of all Early Commitments lead to a finalized hire. However, if a school does not receive the budget for an Early Commitment position, the hiring manager should inform TRQ as soon as possible. If a school does not finalize a candidate due to budget constraints after June 15, the candidate will be held harmless and still receive their Early Commitment Stipend. TRQ will support the candidate in obtaining another NYC Public School position.