New York State Department of Public Instruction Bureau of Examinations School Commissioners' Reports of Teaching Certificates…

By type of certificate (first grade, second/third grade, vocal music), then alphabetically by county or city for first and second/third grade, and numerical by certificate number (equivalent to chronological order) for vocal music certificates.

This series contains examination results for successful candidates for three kinds of teachers certificates: first grade, second grade, and third grade. It also contains a record of vocal music certificates issued. These certificates were issued by school commissioners based on results of uniform state examinations prepared by the Department of Public Instruction. These certificates were valid only in the commissioner district where issued, although a first or second grade certificate could be indorsed by any other commissioner.

First grade certificates were issued for five year terms upon completion of examinations and two years of teaching experience. They were renewable without subsequent examinations. Second grade certificates were issued for three year terms and could be reissued only after reexamination. Third grade certificates were issued for one year and were limited to a specific school or grade level. Vocal music certificates were issued for three year terms, were renewable without subsequent examination, and entitled the holder to teach only music courses.

The reports for first, second, and third grade certificates give the date and place of the examination; and the name, district number, and county of the school commissioner. For each candidate who passed the examination and was issued a certificate, the following information is given: name; certificate number; and scores in examination subjects such as arithmetic, geography, penmanship, current topics, and history.

The single volume of vocal music certificates issued gives the following information about each recipient: name; address; age; number of years of teaching experience; number of years of instruction and name of school or private instructor; name, district number, and county of issuing school commissioner; and certificate number. Some entries are annotated to indicate renewal of the certificates by a school commissioner.

Holders of first grade and vocal music certificates are listed in the Annual Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Volume list.

These records were transferred to the State Library at an unknown date. They were transferred to the State Archives in 1978 as part of old collection #638, accession number -461.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.