Buffalo State and Buffalo Public Schools are teaming up to deliver a new way to tackle the need for diverse teachers in Buffalo.
The Urban Teachers Academy is shaping the students of today into the teachers of tomorrow.
The academy aims to grow a diverse pool of talent from McKinley High School who will come back to the district when they're ready to take their first steps into the teaching world.
Students who complete the Academy courses will be accepted into Buffalo State's teacher education programs, having already completed 12 credit hours.
Buffalo Public Schools will then encourage Urban Teacher Academy graduates to apply for positions within the district.
Rakim Scales, 15, is one of the 18 freshman at McKinley taking part in the Urban Teachers Academy.
"I really like the feeling that I get when I help others learn what I learn," Scales said.
Students in this program come from all over the world from Jordan to Puerto Rico; each bringing their culture and background to better reflect the diversity of the students.
"We can be the leaders that we need to see right here in Buffalo," Felice Brandy, McKinley High School teacher, said. "We do not need to leave, we can be great right here."
