New Teacher Residency Program Launched to Support Aspiring Educators

LIBERTY, NY – In a collaborative effort to strengthen the teacher pipeline and provide future educators with practical classroom experience, Sullivan BOCES has launched a Teacher Residency Program within Sullivan County.

The initiative, announced this summer, offers aspiring teachers immersive classroom training, mentorship, and a clear pathway to dual certification in high-need subject areas.

This program marks the second phase of a teacher recruitment initiative that began in June 2024. It is funded through a $600,000 grant from the New York State Department of Labor and is supported by partnerships with the Mid-Hudson School Study Council, Mount Saint Mary College, and Sullivan BOCES.

“This program is a game-changer for those considering a career in education,” said Dr. Robert M. Dufour, District Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES. “By combining academic coursework with real-world teaching experience, residents will be well-prepared to step into the classroom with confidence and competence.”

Program Details

The Teacher Residency Program is open to 20 participants who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are committed to becoming dual-certified teachers in special education, English language literacy, math, or science. Applicants must be employed—or eligible for employment—within a Sullivan County school district or at Sullivan BOCES.

Participants will be paired with mentor teachers and gradually take on more classroom responsibilities throughout the school year. Each resident must complete both a teaching certification and degree requirements, while also committing to a two-year contract with their sponsoring district.

Mount Saint Mary College has been a key partner in the effort, offering flexible coursework and academic guidance to support participants as they progress toward certification.

First Cohort Begins

At present, 13 individuals have been officially accepted into the program’s first cohort. Their coursework began on August 27, 2025, representing an important milestone in the county’s effort to build a sustainable teacher pipeline.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sullivan BOCES and the Mid-Hudson School Study Council on this initiative,” said Dr. Sonya Abbye Taylor, Chair of the Division of Education at Mount Saint Mary College. “Together, we can cultivate a new generation of passionate, skilled educators who are ready to make a lasting impact on students’ lives.”

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