Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC)

What is TOC?
The College at Brockport’s Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC) is a unique program which provides financial support, individual advisement, academic and career counseling, and tutoring to eligible undergraduate and graduate students preparing to be teachers.
The program seeks to address two critical concerns in US education:

• The need for innovative and dedicated teachers who choose to work with students at risk of truancy, academic failure, and school dropout.
• The need to attract, prepare, place, and retain professional educators from historically underrepresented groups who can serve as positive successful role models for children from similar social and cultural backgrounds.

 

What Services are Available?

• Academic Tutoring and Assistance
• Career Counseling
• Advisement
• Financial Assistance
• Support for Certification Exams

 

Who is Eligible for TOC?
In order to apply for entry into the Teacher Opportunity Corps at The College at Brockport, a student must be:

• Eligible for admission into a teacher certification program within the Department of Education and Human Development
• A matriculated undergraduate or graduate student with a strong desire to teach in an urban setting
• A resident of New York State
• First priority is given to individuals identified as underrepresented and underserved in the teaching profession, that is: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans or Alaskan Natives.
• Second priority is given to economically disadvantaged individuals.

 

What is the TOC Experience?
The College at Brockport’s Teacher Opportunity Corps is an innovative, specialized program designed to encourage and assist undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented populations to prepare for a professional teaching career working with students at risk of truancy, academic failure, or dropping out of school.
At present, TOC students and staff work closely in a cooperative partnership with the Rochester City School District.  The purpose of this venture is to provide an intensive, “hands-on” practical experience working with teachers and students in an urban school setting.  TOC participants are assigned to field experiences and student teaching in Rochester schools. 
The benefits include:

• Direct involvement with experienced professional teachers;
• Work in a setting for effective practice teaching with constructive and immediate feedback;
• A realistic preview of the demands and rewards of teaching and;
• Opportunity for future employment within the Rochester district. 

 

Are you Interested?
Contact:
Nancy DiPasquale: Project Director
Dr. Betsy Balzano: Program Advisor
Education and Human Development
The College at Brockport
State University of New York
350 New Campus Drive
Brockport, NY 14420
585.395.5942

Click here to view the TOC Brochure.