Albert Shanker Grant

The Albert Shanker Grant is administered by the New York State Education Department as part of its broader effort to strengthen teaching quality and support professional advancement among public school educators. The program is specifically designed to offset the financial burden associated with obtaining National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification, which is widely recognized as a rigorous, voluntary credential demonstrating advanced teaching knowledge and practice. By providing financial assistance, the grant aims to increase participation in the certification process and enhance instructional quality across New York State public schools. The primary purpose of the grant is to fully or partially cover the cost of National Board Certification components for eligible teachers. The funding is structured to prioritize candidates pursuing their initial certification, followed by those retaking a single component, and then those seeking Maintenance of Certification. The certification process itself consists of four components that must be completed within a three year period. The grant supports all four components for first time candidates and provides full funding support within the priority categories as outlined by program guidelines. Funding is limited and distributed on a first come, first served basis. The New York State Education Department acts as a third party payer, meaning that awarded funds are applied directly toward certification costs rather than disbursed to the applicant. In some cases, reimbursement may be available for specific candidates who previously paid out of pocket under earlier program rules, contingent upon meeting strict eligibility and documentation requirements. The program does not specify fixed award amounts, as funding corresponds directly to certification component costs rather than a standardized grant ceiling or floor. Eligibility for the Albert Shanker Grant is restricted to full time teachers employed in New York State public schools. Applicants must hold a valid New York State teaching certificate and have tenure in their current position. They must commit to completing the entire certification process and agree to remain employed in a New York public school for at least one year following completion of the grant period. In addition, applicants must apply for both National Board Certification and the grant itself, ensuring alignment between certification participation and funding eligibility. The application process requires multiple coordinated steps. Candidates must first complete the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards application and pay the required registration fee. They must also authorize the release of information to the New York State Education Department as the third party payer. Following this, applicants must submit the Albert Shanker Grant application and provide supporting documentation, including proof of NBPTS registration and a tenure attestation form. Required materials must be submitted electronically via email to the designated program address to finalize the application. Applications for the current cycle are open, with a stated deadline of February 8, 2027. Candidates are notified of award decisions via email after submission and verification of eligibility and documentation. Because funding is limited and awarded in priority order, early submission is critical. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle aligned with certification timelines, and applicants should anticipate similar deadlines in future years. The performance expectation includes completion of certification components within the required timeframe and continued employment in the state’s public education system.