About Us

Office of Teacher Quality and Professional Development (TQPD) is responsible for the administration of the following Federal and State programs and requirements related to highly qualified and effective teaching:

• Improving Teacher Quality State Grants (ESEA/NCLB Title II, Part A):  federal formula allocations ($214 million in FY 2008) are provided to all 789 NYS districts and charter schools; funds support district initiatives in teacher recruitment, retention and professional development.
• New York State Teacher Resource and Computer Training Centers : State Legislative initiative ($40 million in 2008-09) supports 133 Teacher Centers serving 650 districts, 35 BOCES, and over 1000 non-public and charter schools.
• Professional Development Plan (PDP)
• Annual Professional Performance Plan (APPR)
• 175-hour requirement for maintenance of professional teacher licensure
• Comprehensive District Education Plan (CDEP)

In addition, we provide technical support to the following Statewide networks:

• Staff and Curriculum Development Network(SCDN) :  representatives from each BOCES and each Big 5 district meet quarterly, to learn about NYSED initiatives, to share professional development practices, and to share/disseminate such information with their regions.
• New York State Council of Educational Associations (NYSCEA) :  representatives of more than 40 professional organizations meet three times a year for presentations and discussion related to educational initiatives, issues and policy. 

For assistance related to any of the above initiatives,
contact us at emscprofdev@mail.nysed.gov, or call 518-473-7155.