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Through an ongoing partnership between HFM BOCES and Utica University, individuals interested in pursuing a teaching career can complete the requirements needed to become certified teachers in less than a year.
Developed in response to New York State’s need for certified educators, the Teacher Apprenticeship Program provides an accelerated path to the classroom. Through Utica University’s Transitional B program, qualified candidates can earn their teaching certification in just eight months and be ready to serve as teachers of record by September 2027.
Individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in the following subject areas are eligible to apply for the program and begin their master’s in teaching coursework in January: Earth Science, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Math, Spanish, French, English, Social Studies, Technology, Humanities and Liberal Arts.
The program comes at a time when districts across New York continue to face staffing challenges. According to the Office of the New York State Comptroller, the need for teachers is being driven in part by a wave of anticipated retirements and declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs. The state is expected to need approximately 180,000 new teachers over the next decade to meet workforce demands.
Interested candidates should submit an application of interest by October 30 at https://bit.ly/TeacherApprenticeshipProgram2026. Tuition assistance may be available through participating school district sponsorship. Applicants will receive information about a virtual information session scheduled for 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Selected applicants will be invited to interview with local school districts and may be accepted into the program through Utica University.
