Manhattanville Program Advances Next Generation of Educators

BCW member Manhattanville University is earning recognition for its efforts to strengthen the region’s education workforce, as its innovative teacher training program reaches the halfway point of a four-year initiative aimed at preparing and retaining educators throughout the Lower Hudson Valley.

In 2024, Manhattanville received nearly $1 million in funding from New York State’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development to establish new pathways for teaching assistants to advance into full-time, certified teaching positions. Now two years into the initiative, the university is seeing continued growth in participation while helping address critical teacher shortages across the region.

Known as the Teaching Assistant to Teacher Pathways Program, the initiative provides eligible teaching assistants with full tuition and fee support as they work toward New York State teaching certification and a master’s degree from Manhattanville.

The university partnered with the Rockland Teachers’ Center Institute and Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES to implement the program, creating an accessible pathway for individuals already working in schools to take the next step in their careers.

“The grant has enabled Manhattanville to create innovative pathways that help talented educators advance their careers while addressing critical workforce needs in our region,” said Brian V. Carolan, dean of Manhattanville’s School of Education. “We are proud of the progress made during the first half of the project and excited to continue expanding access to the teaching profession.”

Participants receive preparation in areas where qualified educators are in particularly high demand. For 2026, certification pathways include Childhood Education for grades 1-6; a combined Childhood Education and Special Education pathway; and, beginning this fall, a new Special Education certification option covering all grades.

The program also incorporates an induction model that reflects the realities of the classroom, connecting participants with experienced regional educators who serve as mentors throughout their training.

Manhattanville welcomed four grant-funded students when the program launched in fall 2024, followed by two additional students during the academic year. Four members of that original cohort are expected to graduate this August with both their teaching certifications and master’s degrees.

Momentum has continued to build. Five additional grant-funded students joined the program in 2025, while the incoming fall 2026 cohort is expected to include between nine and 11 participants — the program’s largest group to date. The initiative has also expanded its reach to additional school districts and educational institutions across the region and New York State.

By investing in educators already serving local schools and providing them with opportunities for career advancement, Manhattanville is helping build a stronger pipeline of qualified teachers while supporting the long-term strength of the region’s education workforce.