Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Two local school districts are chosen for grant funding to improve the strength and effectiveness of Teachers and Administration.
The Binghamton City School District is one of 17 school districts across the state to get the Strengthening Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Grant. The district will receive just over $700,000 over the next two years.
"In the Binghamton City School district we're looking to utilize these resources, and to strengthen our assistant teacher mentor program," said Assistant Superintendent, Tonia Thompson.
Qualifications for the STLE Grant requires that at least 25 percent of students attending the district must come from low-income families.
"We do have some of these pieces already in place in terms of collaborating with high education and pre-service programs and established mentor programs," said Thompson.
The programs will work with teachers and administrators on ways to improve teaching practices and leadership in administrative roles.
"The Professional development that comes from working with a colleague from being able to pause and reflect on their own practice, and then go back into the classroom and change their practice to address student needs,"said Thompson.
The district will also be adding two additional positions to cover any necessary instruction for teachers and students, also allowing the expansion of the district's existing mentor program.
"Now we're going to be able to expand that to not just new faculty, but maybe faculty that's been here three to five years," said Thompson.
Union-Endicott School District was the second recipient in our area, receiving $500,000 over the next two years.
UE will also be hiring a part time staff member to further improve student achievement, leaving No Tiger Left Behind.