Governor Hochul Announces Major Enhancements to Teacher Support and Education Workforce Programs

Educator Career Development Ambassador Program Opens Applications for
Summer Intensive Training

$12.4 Million in New Round of Funding for Empire State Teacher Residency Program

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Governor Hochul today announced major advancements in two New York State educational initiatives designed to strengthen the State’s teaching workforce. The first initiative is the expansion of the Educator Career Development Ambassador Program, a four-week summer training for teachers, librarians and counselors in grades 6-12. Governor Hochul also announced the third round of awards for the Empire State Teacher Residency Program, totaling $12.4 million in funding.

“Our kids deserve the best possible education, and that starts with investing in our teachers,” Governor 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.”

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.

Experienced educators and staff are encouraged to apply, and successful participants will receive NYSDOL certification and Continuing Teacher and Leadership Education (CTLE) credits. Further details and application information are available on the program website or by contacting [email protected].

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Today's announcement by Governor Hochul marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to education and workforce development in New York State. The expansion of these programs reflects our dedication to not only enhancing the skills of our educators but also ensuring that our students are prepared for the dynamic challenges of the future.”

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Our teachers are the embers that ignite and inspire in our students a passion for lifelong learning that transcends the classroom. This substantial investment underscores our commitment to expanding the teacher pipeline, ensuring New York’s students a brighter future through high-quality instruction. Working with our partners in government, we remain committed to expanding sustainable models to attract and retain world-class educators.”

Meanwhile, the Empire State Teacher Residency Program, part of a $30 million initiative launched last October, is providing $12 million to the New York City Department of Education to support 400 teacher residents pursuing master’s degrees or certification, and $442,930 to Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES to support 15 residents. Aimed at diversifying the state’s educational workforce, the program offers real teaching experience and mentorship, improving teacher retention. It has previously awarded $16.7 million to various districts and BOCES for two-year residencies for PK-12 teacher candidates.

These programs demonstrate New York's commitment to enhancing education quality and workforce readiness through targeted teacher training and development initiatives.

Mohawk Valley Career Development Ambassador and Technology Teacher, Perry Junio High School, New Hartford Central Schools, Michael Amante said, “Participating in the inaugural year of the New York State Department of Labor Teacher Ambassador Program last summer was a truly enriching experience. By engaging in the program, I established direct connections with DOL personnel, deepening my insights into career and workforce development. The site visits and guest speakers we had offered a firsthand look into diverse industries, enhancing my understanding of our state's dynamic career landscape.”

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.”