In a move to help strengthen the state’s teaching workforce, the Empire State Teacher Residency Program is providing $442,000 to Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES to support 15 teacher residents pursuing master’s degrees or certification.
Aimed at diversifying the state’s education workforce, the residency program offers real teaching experience and mentorship, improving teacher retention. The program is part of a $30 million initiative launched by the state last October. It has previously awarded $16.7 million to various districts and BOCES for two-year residencies for PK-12 teacher candidates.
Central New York Career Development Ambassador and CTE Teacher, Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES, Christine Bosco said, “The DOL Teacher Ambassador Program provided abundant resources for me to bring back to my colleagues and classroom pertaining to career awareness and education. This program helped me find valuable tools to assist students with finding a career that aligns with their interests and strengths and finding the appropriate pathways and resources to fulfill their goals. Learning about the job market, upcoming projects in the area, and changes in technology has also helped me evolve as a teacher.”
In addition, the state also announced the expansion of the Educator Career Development Ambassador Program, a four-week summer training for teachers, librarians and counselors in grades 6-12.
The Educator Career Development Ambassador Program, administered by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) in collaboration with the New York State Education Department (NYSED), aims to enhance career-readiness in students. As part of the program, which aligns with the Blue Ribbon Commission report on Graduation Requirements, educators create lesson plans focusing on professional development, industry exploration, and skill development. As part of her State of the State address, Governor Hochul called on NYSDOL to double the program’s capacity, citing its previous success. With 60 positions available this summer, the program prioritizes those serving historically underserved communities.
“Our kids deserve the best possible education, and that starts with investing in our teachers,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “By creating pathways for current and future educators to enhance their skills, we are reinforcing our commitment to our public servants and to preparing young people for the robust opportunities that await them.”
