13-03-2025
University at Buffalo teacher residency program in jeopardy after federal funding cuts
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A University at Buffalo program that trains future teachers is in jeopardy if it loses key federal funding. The potential cuts have sparked concern over the impact it can have on local classrooms.
UB's Urban Teacher Residency Program is a yearlong, hands-on experience that prepares aspiring teachers to work in Buffalo Public Schools. Amanda Winkelsas, the programs director, said their model has shown impressive outcomes.
'This is really devastating news both to the program and our people,' Winkelsas said. 'Students in the classrooms of our graduates have better average course grades, they have better attendance, they have fewer disciplinary referrals.'
A few weeks ago, Winkelsas was informed by the Department of Education that the program will no longer be receiving over $7 million in funding it relies on. President Donald Trump's administration revoked two major grants: a Teacher Quality Partnership grant and a Supporting Effective Educator Development grant.
One of the grants allows the university to give a stipend to residents so they do not have to maintain a full-time job while studying and co-teaching. It also allows them not to worry about paying rent, funding transportation, childcare and more.
'There was a real concern that these stipends would immediately cut off,' Winkelsas said. 'Therefore, they wouldn't be able to continue in residency in a full-time capacity.'
With funding now in limbo, current graduate students might not be able to finish their master's degrees and receive certification to become a teacher.
There are also seven employees who could lose their positions as the university would no longer be able to pay their salaries. This puts the enrollment of future members of the program at a standstill.
'We had people interview already and we're ready to make offers that we've held back because we don't know about future funding,' Winkelsas said.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and seven other attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education for unlawfully cancelling these grants that were authorized by Congress. A judge has set a temporary restraining order on the cuts to take effect.
'We have 14 days to continue our work,' Winkelsas said. 'But what happens after those 14 days is once again up in the air.'
Winkelsas is encouraging everyone to call their local representatives as Congress has a say where grants and funds are distributed.
Donations to support the residency program can be made here.
Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.
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