Buffalo Urban Teaching Fellows is an “earn and learn” teacher training program. We provide aspiring teachers with a paid role in a school and generous financial assistance package while they pursue certification and transition to a teaching career. With embedded development opportunities and a cohort experience, our program helps Fellows make a meaningful difference in the lives of local students.
The Application to join the 2025 Cohort is now available! Apply today!
Not sure if you're ready to apply?
- Sign up for a one on one informational call!
- Sign up to join our virtual Informational Session on March 27th at 5:30pm
Want to refer someone to our program? Fill out the form at the link below and a member of BUTF staff will reach out to your referral directly. A successful referral could be eligible for a referral bonus!
A Meaningful Career
Passionate and talented teachers are critical to ensuring that all students in Buffalo have access to engaging, high-quality education experiences that result in academic success and provide the opportunity for socio-economic mobility. We are looking for individuals who are highly motivated to launch a teaching career in Buffalo’s district or non-profit charter schools. Perhaps you have been working in education as a paraprofessional, teacher’s assistant, or uncertified teacher, and are ready to take the next step. Or maybe you’re a recent graduate or current college senior who wants to share your passion for learning with students. Have you had a successful career and now desire to pursue a more fulfilling path? Whatever your background may be, we are looking for passionate, talented people who believe that every student can achieve at the highest level, and are committed to helping them get there.
The Program Experience
When you become a Buffalo Urban Teaching Fellow, we’ll help you select the local certification program that best fits your career goals and personal circumstances and guide you through the enrollment process. You'll be part of a dynamic cohort of talented future teachers, and work in a school, gaining practical experience - and earning a paycheck - while completing certification coursework. Once you are certified, you’ll move into a lead teacher role and receive support and additional training to help you grow during your early years in the classroom.
Tuition Assistance
Financial assistance for each Fellow is done through tuition support and direct financial support. Fellows receive up to $12,500 of tuition assistance in partnership with their chosen local university. Fellows also receive a one-time $2,500 cash stipend at the beginning of the 2025 academic calander to help with start up costs associated with going back to school and the career transition.
Our Partners
We partner with multiple certification programs so you can select the program that is the best fit for your needs.
- Buffalo State University
- Canisius University
- Niagara University
- Relay Graduate School of Education
- Daemen University
- Saint Bonaventure University
Not sure which program is right for you? Submit an interest form to connect with a member of the BUTF staff.
Eligibility
- Must have bachelor’s degree
- Must currently be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Must not yet be a licensed teacher in New York
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA strongly preferred*
*GPA requirement can be reviewed upon request and a limited number of exceptions may be made.
The Application to join the 2025 is now available! Apply today!
