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Have you ever thought of turning your bachelor’s degree into a teaching career? HFM BOCES and Utica University are joining forces once again to address the ongoing shortage of certified teachers for anyone interested in pursuing a fast-tracked teacher certification.
Through Utica University’s unique program, qualified candidates can earn a fast-tracked teacher certification in just eight months and become a teacher of record in a school district by September 2025. Individuals who have completed an undergraduate bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in the following areas can apply to begin their master’s in teaching starting in January: Earth Science, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Math, Spanish, French, English, Social Studies, Technology, Humanities and Liberal Arts.
Qualified teacher candidate applicants will also be able to apply for scholarship and additional funding opportunities. Full scholarship opportunities are available to a limited number of applicants which will cover living expenses, student’s books, and miscellaneous fees. Earlier this year, Utica University was awarded more than $1.2 million as part of New York State’s Education Workforce Investment to help expand its Transitional B Apprenticeship program.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Transitional B program is designed to address the severe and ongoing shortage of certified teachers across the state. In response, NYSED has agreed to award qualified graduate teacher education candidates a Transitional B Teaching Certificate. According to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, New York State is facing a steep teacher retirement cliff in the coming years. The state needs approximately 180,000 new teachers over the next decade to meet workforce needs.
Anyone interested in the program is encouraged to submit an application of interest no later than October 15 using the following link: https://bit.ly/teacherapprenticeshipprogram. Upon review of the applications, candidates will then be selected for interviews within their desired school district and potential acceptance into the apprenticeship program by Utica University.
