Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the second round of the Empire State Teacher Residency Program, allocating $4.8 million to enhance New York’s teacher workforce. This funding, part of a broader $30 million initiative, will support teacher residents in obtaining master’s degrees or teacher certification.
The program, managed by the New York State Department of Labor, partners with public school districts or Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to offer hands-on teaching experience under mentorship. This approach aims to improve teacher retention rates and develop vital instructional and leadership skills in new educators.
The second-round funding focuses on regions including Western New York, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, benefiting specific educational institutions like Erie 1 BOCES, Buffalo City School District, and others.
These awards are part of Governor Hochul’s commitment to diversifying and strengthening the education workforce, addressing teacher shortages across various subjects. The program also underscores a larger commitment to educational equity, ensuring future teachers receive comprehensive, community-focused training. In line with Governor Hochul’s educational initiatives, the New York State budget has significantly increased funding for education, with an emphasis on supporting foundational education and teacher development programs.