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Teacher Opportunity Corps I

Enacted in Chapter 53 of the Laws of 1987

Purpose

To enhance the preparation of teachers and prospective teachers in addressing the learning needs of students at risk of truancy, academic failure, or dropping out of school; and to increase the participation rate of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged individuals in teaching careers.

Target Audience

TOC serves full-time undergraduate/graduate students, or part-time graduate students completing the requirements for provisional/initial or permanent/professional certification.

First Priority: to individuals identified as underrepresented and underserved in the teaching profession, that is: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, or Alaskan Natives.

Second Priority: to any individual economically disadvantaged (in accordance with the criteria established in statute for the TOC program).

Third Priority given to any other individual who is not historically underrepresented in teaching nor economically disadvantaged.  Appropriate evidence of the rationale and justification for each applicant admitted to the Corps in this category must be provided by the institution.  Institutional rationale/justification must include the following:

  • evidence of effectiveness and results of efforts to recruit Priority 1 and 2 participants;
  • a description of the recruitment and selection process for Priority 1 and 2 participants; and
  • a statement illustrating how the inclusion of Priority 3 participants will fulfill the legislative intent of the Teacher Opportunity Corps.
Eligibility

Competitive grants are awarded to institutions that offer approved programs in teacher preparation leading to permanent certification (that is, programs registered by the State Education Department for teacher education purposes.) IHE’s proposing to administer projects through formal articulation agreements with schools/districts having a high concentration of uncertified teachers and or students at-risk, including Schools Under Registration Review (SURR) are given the highest priority

Application & Request for Proposal Information

REQUESTs FOR PROPOSAL (RFPs) for the TEACHER OPPORTUNITY CORPS TOC (TOC) 2014-2017:
Proposals will be ACCEPTED THROUGH Friday, June 27, 2014

Provide an original and one copy of the completed form by  Friday, June 27, 2014

Teacher Opportunity Corps Impact and Accomplishments

Teacher Opportunity Corps Projects Study and Implement Best Practices in Teaching 

  • Through the K-16 Professional Development Network, share information about recent research, school needs, and teaching practices
  • Provide laboratory for observing, planning and teaching at-risk students
  • Partner with professional practice schools
  • Field test inquiry-based learning
  • Utilize research-based practical training
  • Design specialized curricula for at-risk students
Contact Information

This program is now under the My Brother’s Keeper Teacher Opportunity Corps, II (TOC II).  Please visit TOC II or email TOCII@nysed.gov for more information.