50949_WKBW_7_Problem_Solvers_658x90.png

Actions

$3.5 million grant awarded to University at Buffalo in effort to address teacher shortage in Western New York

CLASSROM DESKS.jpg
Posted at 10:29 AM, Oct 06, 2022
and last updated 2022-10-06 10:29:01-04

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Congressman Brian Higgins (D - NY26) announced a three-year grant totaling $3.5 million has been awarded to the University at Buffalo in an effort to address the teacher shortage in Western New York.

The grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and awarded through the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Program. According to Higgins, the grant will extend UB's teacher residency to high-need school districts.

"Partnering with the Buffalo City School District, Sweet Home Central Schools, Amherst Central Schools, and Kenmore Tonawanda Schools, the University at Buffalo will expand the scope of its existing 16-month teacher residency program. They will not only bolster support for districts currently taking part in the program, but they will also offer professional development opportunities for teachers at non-residency districts. Funding from the SEED program will allow UB to provide support for residents, novice teachers, emerging and existing teacher-leaders, and administrators. With a special focus on high-need first-ring suburbs, they will continue efforts to recruit, train, and retain teachers from underrepresented, minority backgrounds," a release says.

“We are deeply appreciative for the continued support the UB Teacher Residency program has received from the U.S. Department of Education. With this new grant, the UB Teacher Residency program will continue to increase educational opportunities for all students by recruiting, preparing and supporting racially, ethnically, economically and linguistically diverse professionals to work in Buffalo Public Schools."
- Suzanne Rosenblith, PhD, professor and dean of the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education