Senator Gallivan Co-Sponsors Bill to Encourage Teachers to Work in Rural Districts

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) is co-sponsoring legislation (S.5407) to create an incentive program to encourage elementary and secondary teachers to work in the state’s rural school districts.  The program would reimburse up to 500 recipients per year the cost of their undergraduate tuition, if they agree to teach in a rural district for at least five years. 

“Many school districts are having a difficult time recruiting new teachers, especially in rural communities,” Senator Gallivan said.  “This program will encourage more young people to consider teaching in rural districts, helping children and families across the state.”

Under the program, recipients would receive yearly payments equal to the annual tuition charged to students attending the State University of New York.  Payments would cover up to four years of undergraduate study and one year of graduate study.  If a recipient does not complete five years of service in a rural school district or fails to maintain their teaching license, they would be required to repay the funds.   

The program is modeled after the successful Match and Science Teaching Incentive.

The bill has been sent to the Senate’s Education Committee for consideration.