“If you get, give. If you learn, teach.”
– Maya Angelou
Teacher Opportunity Corps Program
Siena’s Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC) Program is based on the ideal of fostering a cycle of success where each person receives support and in turn provides it for others. The TOC Program aims to identify highly qualified students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the field of teaching and prepare them to be effective educators so they can foster the success of students in underserved schools.
The goal of the TOC Program is to increase the rate of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged individuals in teaching careers. The TOC Program provides up to $5,200 in financial aid annually and $500 of cost of living support each semester to eligible undergraduates willing to commit to teaching in New York State’s high-need schools. This New York State Education Department funded grant seeks to invest in the future by bolstering the retention of highly qualified individuals who value equity and reflect the diversity inside and outside of our classrooms, particularly in high-need schools with recurrent teacher shortages.
Who is Eligible?
Successful applicants who self-designate as American Indian and Alaskan Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander; Black/African American; and Hispanic/Latino or are economically disadvantaged (income at or below 185% of the poverty line for household size). Applicants must also be residents of New York State.
Your Commitment:
- Enroll in and complete Siena’s Teacher Education Program
- Become certified to teach in your subject area
- Teach for three years in a high-need school district in New York State (begin teaching at this school within two years of graduation from Siena)
- Participate in TOC program activities
TOC Activities: Designed to provide additional preparation and support for students to be highly effective teachers that value and build on students’ diversity. Students will be provided with:
- Education Department workshops on effective teaching strategies
- Courses focused on effective teaching with diverse populations: EDUC 275: Teaching English to Nonnative Speakers & EDUC 381: Culturally Responsive Teaching Methods
- A junior year internship at a high-needs school or educational setting
- Mentorship from a supervising teacher at a high needs school for the senior year
- Opportunities for service to the field of education that promotes diversity and equity
- Ongoing advising from the TOC Program Director
Contact the TOC Program Director, Dr. Jesse Moya, if you have any questions.