The need in Rochester for teachers — and particularly teachers of color — is great.
Traditional public schools and charter public schools in Rochester expect to need to hire more than 3000 teachers over the next ten years, particularly in the fields of special education, bilingual education, sciences, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Rochester particularly needs teachers of color. While all students benefit from having teachers of color, students of color in particular experience significant positive outcomes, including increased graduation rates, decreased suspension rates, increased referrals to gifted programs, and a greater likelihood of seeing themselves as teachers.
There are many ways to become a teacher in Rochester. We invite you to learn more about what’s required for certification and which local program options may be best for you.
Explore Pathways
There are many pathways to certification. Whether you are a young college graduate, a career changer or a recent migrant to the U.S., there is a pathway into teaching for you. Find the pathway that best fits your profile and start on your path to certification.
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Get Certified
To become a Rochester teacher, you’ll need to get certified to teach in New York State. Explore the information here to learn more about the types of teacher certificates, their requirements and how to apply for certification.
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Find a Program
Rochester’s Institutions of Higher Education offer numerous teacher preparation programs for every teacher candidate on every pathway. Rochester offers both traditional and alternative teacher preparation programs that fully prepare you to be a highly effective teacher on your first day in the classroom. Use this Find a Program tool to find your match.
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Get Financial Support
There are many opportunities to receive the financial support you need to become a teacher. In addition to the specific aid provided by teacher preparation programs, federal and state aid can also help fund your teacher preparation. Explore the grants, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities below to find the ones that can best support your teacher preparation.
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