By Nona Ullman, LessonLoop Founder and CEO

Insights from SUNY Leaders

Yesterday, I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation about the future of teacher education with Angela Pagano, Senior Assistant Provost for Educator Preparation and Partnerships at the State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration, and Jamie Frank, Associate Vice Chancellor for Policy Implementation at SUNY. With their wealth of experience—Angela as a former SUNY professor and high school biology teacher, and Jamie as a former Assistant Secretary for Education in Governor Cuomo’s administration—we explored the key trends shaping teacher education and the pressing gaps in teacher preparation programs, especially as New York State adapts to meet future needs.

Addressing Nationwide Challenges

Amidst widespread teacher shortages, an influx of inexperienced and sometimes underprepared new educators, and the transformative potential of generative AI, we discussed the importance of forging stronger connections between higher education institutions and school districts. As Angela Pagano emphasized, diversifying pathways into the teaching profession is critical for meeting the needs of students. She highlighted promising initiatives, such as:

Jamie Frank talked about the important work at SUNY New Paltz which offers a Science of Reading microcredential, equipping educators with evidence-based literacy instruction skills.

Preparing Teachers for Generative AI

Another significant topic of discussion was SUNY Chancellor John King’s January 16 announcement that one of SUNY’s “core competencies”—general education requirements for all undergraduates—will now include education about artificial intelligence (AI). This addition is particularly relevant for future teachers, who will need to navigate AI’s disruptive capabilities and integrate it effectively into their teaching practices. NYSCATE (The New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education), is a non-profit, 501(c)3 professional organization representing technology-using educators and administrators in New York State, and also provides EdTech training and opportunities for New York State preservice education students, providing further connections between SUNY campuses and New York State school districts. 

Meeting the Needs of Future Graduates

We also explored how New York State Graduation Measures Initiative will require high school students by 2027 to demonstrate proficiency in competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate, such as being an Innovative Problem Solver and demonstrating Social-Emotional Competence. To prepare preservice teachers for these shifts, teacher preparation programs must include more coursework focused on:

In this context, I suggested that platforms like LessonLoop could play a valuable role. LessonLoop enables new teachers to receive real-time feedback on student engagement, helping them refine their practice and build stronger connections with their students from the very start of their careers.

By working together to diversify teacher pipelines, integrate AI into teacher education, and align preparation programs with future student needs, we can better equip educators for the challenges and opportunities of 21st-century teaching.