History/Mission Statement

The CA Teacher Center is an organization dedicated to the professional development of teachers, and equipping  teacher with all the opportunities they need to improve classroom instruction and live up to the motto: "A source for teachers, A promise for students." Begun in 1984, and funded yearly by a New York State grant, we are currently one of more than 125 Teacher Centers functioning under the parentage of the State Education Department and the New York State United Teachers. We are a consortium of 20 public and 2 non-public schools serving approximately 1900 teachers in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

GOVERNANCE

The CA Teacher Center is governed by a 9 member Policy Board which meets four times a year. This board - comprised of teachers, administrators, school board members, parents, and representatives of higher education, business, and industry -is responsible for hiring Teacher Center personnel, establishing policies, deciding how monies will be spent, and overseeing the entire operation. This is the only New York State grant that, by law, both requires and allows for the autonomous rule of a governing board.

SERVICES

The programs offered through the Center are based upon an extensive needs assessment - evaluation process performed each year. Our programs are, therefore, closely aligned with teacher needs, the goals of each district, and State initiatives. To date the following services have been offered:

• Inservice and Graduate Content in Content Areas and Teaching Methods

• Teacher Leadership Programs for Greater Capacity Building

• Workshop Series & Consultations for New Teachers

• Programs related to Common Core Learning Standards & Assessments

• Participation in Regional Conferences

• A Resource Lending Library

• Community-School Programs

• Incentives for Innovation

• Special Customized Programs for Each District

• Technology Training and Computer Loans ...and more