Ossining Schools Win $537,000 Grant

The Ossining Union Free School District was among 33 districts and six BOCES-led groups statewide to receive grants to support teacher and leader effectiveness. The $537,625-grant marks the second award the district has received under the “Strengthening Teacher and Leader Effectiveness” program, which is aimed at improving instruction in districts with high-need students.

"I am very pleased to have the funds to continue supporting our teachers and administrators with on-going professional development,” said Ossining Superintendent Ray Sanchez.  “We are a learning community that is always seeking ways to improve practices.”

Grant funds will be used to expand the district’s career ladder and offer opportunities for professional learning, according to Nancy de la Cruz-Arroyo, district grant coordinator. Positions and activities will focus on supporting high-need students through mentoring and the use of evidence-based teaching methods.  By training staff in best practices, the district hopes to improve student access to high-quality educators across all six district schools.

“The grant provides opportunities for administrators and teachers to use their expertise to support new administrators, teachers, and support staff,” said Dr. Angela White, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “This support will be provided through one-to-one mentoring, study groups, and a series of workshops.”

Ossining was eligible to receive the grant because more than 25 percent of its student population comes from low-income families, and because the district has an approved Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Plan.

Thanks to the grant Ossining’s novice teachers will be able to participate in after-school sessions to develop and refine their instructional skills through the use of TeachLivE technology. Pioneered by Pace University, TeachLivE gives teachers the opportunity to practice real-world skills by interacting with student avatars in a virtual environment. Teacher mentors also will be paired with novice teachers to provide support and help strengthen novice teachers’ instructional effectiveness.

The STLE grant also will allow the district to select a “Leadership Candidate” to attend the Future School Leaders Academy (FSLA). A partnership between Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES and the Bank Street College of Education in New York City, FSLA is a rigorous program that leads to a master’s degree and state certification as a school or district leader.  The candidate will be chosen based on principal recommendations and interviews with district administrators.

Grant funds also will be used to establish a new position of Instructional Coach to be held by a highly effective teacher and to support workshops for novice and professional principals. 

"Too often, our highest need students miss out on great teachers and school leaders," said State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. "STLE grants will help high needs districts recruit, develop, and retain effective teachers and leaders. It's all about supporting our educators and helping our students succeed.”