Hunter College and Lincoln Center Partner in Groundbreaking Initiative to Train and Place Arts Teachers in NYC Public Schools

The Hunter College School of Education is partnering with Lincoln Center, the New York City Department of Education and the United Federation of Teachers to create the Lincoln Center Scholars Alternative Certification Program. This initiative will, over a three-year period, educate, certify and place high-quality music, dance, theater and visual art teachers in up to 120 New York City public schools that lack adequate arts programs or have no such programs at all.  

The program was developed in response to the critical need for certified arts teachers, highlighted in an April 2014 report by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer.

"Hunter College is renowned for training outstanding music teachers, and, through our new Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program, top-notch dance teachers," said Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab. "This partnership with one of the world's premier performing arts institutions builds on our success and will allow us to support the City's efforts to educate even more superb teachers."

Students who complete the fully-subsidized two-year program will receive a Master's of Education degree from Hunter. While enrolled, they will have access to intensive training at Lincoln Center Education (LCE), including guest lectures, peer support events and coaching from LCE staff and teaching artists. Upon graduation they will be qualified as state-certified teachers, and considered for placement in schools in underserved areas of the city.

The program, supported by a generous $1.5 Million grant from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, will commence in fall 2014.  

Interested applicants should contact AltCert@lincolncenter.org or visit LincolnCenterEducation.org/AltCert.