MVCC addresses teacher shortage with TSTT partnership

UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) and Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT) are teaming up to address the teacher shortage with a partnership agreement to provide services to TSTT students to help them succeed in college.

“We are thrilled to partner with Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers toward the collective aim of diversifying our region’s teacher workforce,” MVCC President Randall J. VanWagoner said in a press release. “This partnership provides the holistic supports and coherent pathways required for students to thrive as they pursue their teaching careers.”

MVCC will provide entrance and education requirements; appoint college representatives, mentors, and financial-aid representatives to support applicants and assist them with paperwork and requirements; provide college-in-high-school programming at no cost; support full tuition for 11th and 12th-grade students; and provide job-placement services for TSTT students.

In return, TSTT provides screening and selection services for high-school students, a program coordinator to implement the college-training syllabus, academic support, career guidance, and more.

“Our partnership will serve as a viable solution to help tackle the growing teacher shortage crisis,” TSTT President/CEO Bettye H. Perkins said. “It will provide our schools with caring, competent, and certified teacher assistants in two years versus four. And, as importantly, these teacher assistants will gain valuable experience and the financial means to go on to a four-year college and receive full teacher certification.”

TSTT, chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, is a school-based mentoring program that recruits and mentors culturally diverse and economically challenged high-school students interested in pursuing a career in teaching. TSTT provides financial assistance and places them as teachers and leaders who will strengthen and inspire their communities.

MVCC offers 90 degree and certificate options including associate degrees in childhood education and adolescence education.