Far West Teacher Center Infromation
NYS Teacher Centers were established in 1984 under Education Law 316 to deliver professional development in support of quality teaching. Since that time our state organization has expanded to 125 centers across NYS: each providing unique learning opportunities and partnerships to educators in almost 2,000 public, non-public, and charter schools.
The Far West Teacher Center Network is comprised of 16 regional centers serving educators in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Cattaraugus, Allegany and Chautauqua Counties.
Our network serves over 20,000 educators on a limited combined grant from the state of $1,400,000. From 2009-2013 our program funding was severely cut by an astronomical amount of 64% (see chart below). Thanks to our legislators and the support of our constituents, our funding was increased in 2016 to 50% or 2009-10 levels. In spite of these fluctuations in funding, teacher centers are still providing highly effective professional learning opportunities that support the Regents Reform Agenda to all educators in our region.
If you would like to see our work continued and even increased, please contact your local legislators to voice your support! Without your help, we may no longer be able to provide your children’s teachers with the training and support they continually need to offer high quality instruction focused on preparing students for college and career.
Teacher Center Approved Grants
Teacher Centers are often the first to learn about grants available to educators. Check out the links below to learn more about possible grants.
Teacher Development Grants « McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation believes that continuous, insightful and innovative professional training and growth is crucial to the effectiveness of educators. It is the Foundation’s goal to promote best practices through cooperative and sustained commitment to increased efficacy, improved teaching and active learning. As such, the Foundation values proposals aimed at concurrently boosting student understanding and proficiency and instilling a passion for lifelong learning.
The Teacher Development Grants support small teams of teachers in the formation and implementation of groundbreaking k-12 classroom instruction. The grants provide opportunities for teachers to integrate fresh strategies that encourage critical inquiry and to observe their effects on students. Teachers have the opportunity to reflect and write about their projects, as well as to share their results with other teachers. The Foundation awards grants to individuals in amounts up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $20,000 over two years, provided the eligibility requirements continue to be met.
Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program - Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes
The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program (SFE) is named for Wild Ones lifetime Honorary Director Lorrie Otto, the founding inspiration for Wild Ones, Native Plants, Natural Landscapes, Ltd. Lorrie’s life work with students, young and old, was to cultivate wonder, reverence and awe for Nature and all Her creatures. Today, the SFE program provides meaningful learning opportunities that connect youth to nature and the Wild Ones mission. For more than 25 years, this vital Wild Ones donor-funded program has provided grants ranging from $100 to $500 for native plant gardens and landscaping projects throughout the United States. The funds are designated for acquiring native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that engage youth (preschool to high school) directly in planning, planting and caring for native plant gardens. Examples include
pollinator gardens,
rain gardens to improve water quality,
tallgrass prairies,
native plant monarch waystations featuring community science activities,
and sensory and natural playgrounds.
Grant applications will be assessed by a committee of Wild Ones staff, members, and board.