Art and music funding is coming to yeshivas and Jewish day schools across New York State.
(Courtesy of Teach Coalition) A brand-new $5 million art and music program is available for grades K-12 in nonpublic schools, cementing last year’s art and music inaugural funding allocation, and comes as part of the larger, historic $470 million in nonpublic school funding announced last month as a part of the New York State FY25 budget.
“We are very grateful to have funding that will support our amazing productions that literally transform these girls’ lives,” Pnina Fogel, a teacher at Torah Academy for Girls (TAG), said.. “Funding for art and music really allows them to excel in that creative space.”
The sheer range of possibilities the new program provides is incredible, offering more than just straightforward drawing, painting and music classes. For the first time, schools that engage in performing arts will be able to use funds from this program to help cover the cost of their annual productions. For TAG, an all-girls school in Queens that places a large emphasis on these performances, this funding is huge.
“Our annual production is an opportunity for girls to explore elements of themselves that go beyond regular academics,” Fogel explained. “They get into all areas of a performance: onstage, behind the scenes with set design, costumes, multimedia design and more. Sometimes we’ll see a girl who struggles in the classroom but really gets to shine onstage, building her confidence, supporting her social-emotional wellbeing, and tapping into her creativity.”
Schools say that these productions complement the schools’ regular programming, building a sense of community and collaboration across the grades, enhancing peer relationships as well as teacher-student relationships. It’s a win-win for everyone.
“This program will strengthen and expand already existing art and music programs within our schools without having to navigate difficult budgetary constraints that can often be a barrier to these types of offerings,” said Sydney Altfield, executive director of Teach NYS. “It is cultivating an environment that supports every student, both academically and personally.”
In addition to STEM teachers, art and music teachers employed by Teach NYS member schools are eligible to earn master’s in education degrees at reduced cost through exclusive Teach NYS partnerships. Art and music educators can now earn these degrees through SUNY Empire, Gratz College, and most recently, Touro University. Depending on the chosen program, the cost ranges from under $10,000 to $13,000, which represents savings of up to 54% off standard tuition rates.
Participating schools also benefit, as they then qualify for partial salary reimbursement from the New York State Education Department’s education programs for each teacher who completes a graduate degree in one of the above-mentioned areas. Many schools will cover the cost of these degrees for their art and music teachers since they will receive annual partial salary reimbursements per teacher. This arrangement enhances educational offerings and generates additional revenue for the schools.
For more information, visit teachcoalition.org/mastersprograms.
