LEXICON Center for Teacher Excellence

About

In Fall 2024, Iona University was one of just 26 institutions nationwide—and the only one in New York—awarded an Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program federal grant to expand, support, and diversify the teacher pipeline, with a focus on special education, literacy, and bilingual/ESL preparation. 

The LEXICON Center of Excellence: Fostering Comprehensive Teacher Development equips current and future educators with the training, support, and resources needed to serve in high-need schools and close opportunity gaps.

Our Vision

A diverse, well-prepared teacher workforce in evidence-based instructional practices that advances educational equity in New York and beyond.

Our Mission

To remove barriers to teacher preparation and accelerate high-quality, evidence-based, and inclusive training, so that our LEXICON Scholars thrive from entry to licensure to early career.

Our Priorities

• Recruitment with purpose: proactively engage candidates who face systemic barriers to higher education to become teachers in high-needs areas (Title I, special education, reading/literacy specialists, bilingual)
• Continuous learning & support: community-embedded professional development and three years of post-program supports through free CTLE
• Flexible access for Graduate Students: online, evening, summer, and immersive options that meet working learners where they are.
• Eliminating cost barriers: tuition vouchers and certification exam fee supports that reduce out-of-pocket costs while students keep working.
• High-need school impact: clinical placements and service commitments centered in high-need settings.

What is in a name? LEXICON 

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What LEXICON Scholars Can Receive

Note: Aid amounts, timelines, and pathway options are subject to funding availability and individual program admissions, grant activity priorities.

• Tuition support: tuition vouchers toward coursework.
• Certification exam support & coaching: certification exam test cost support, free workshops, study plans, and test prep aligned to New York State teacher certification exams.
• Evidence-based preparation: content you will receive in our programs will be evidence-based, and specialized training in inclusive, culturally and linguistically responsive practice.
• Clinical experiences: direct, explicit instruction and support in evidence-based practices and summer options at the LEXICON Center for Teacher Excellence Summer Literacy Clinic
• Mentorship & network: faculty, practitioner, and alumni mentors from entry through certification, job search, induction, and early career.

Who We Serve (Eligibility)

Financial support is available to Iona University students enrolled only in education programs: 

Graduate Programs

• MSED Special Education
• MSED Special Education and Literacy
• MSED Literacy
• BILINGUAL EXTENSION CERTIFICATE FOR TEACHERS
• MST Childhood/Special Education

Graduate students enrolled in the following MST Programs will receive grant activities such as certification practice exams, but not tuition vouchers.

• MST Adolescent
• MST Early Childhood/Childhood
• MST Childhood

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate education majors (junior/senior status) will receive activities through the grant except tuition vouchers.

LEXICON Scholar Tuition Vouchers 

Note: Figures below represent maximum potential voucher eligibility and savings subject to funding availability, individual program admissions, and grant activity priorities or other considerations.

Programs are eligible for vouchers up to the credit limits listed (actual awards may be lower). Voucher funds are disbursed across program enrollment as dictated by the grant, not all at once and not on-demand by student request. 

Questions about tuition vouchers must be directed to Senior Directo Autumn Cancredi at acancredi@iona.edu. 

LEXICON Scholar Cohort Expectations

Graduate Cohort

Requirements

• Attend certification exam workshops; create a personalized exam plan.
• Complete clinical experience in high-need schools/certification areas (special education and/or bilingual).
• Commit to working in a high-need school/certification areas for the first five years after graduation.

Graduate Admission Application Components

• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
• Online interview.
• Application to an Iona graduate education program.
• Two recommendations (peer + supervisor/leader/past instructor).
• **For the three MSED degrees, completion of an undergraduate education program that led to initial certification, or you are already initially certified

Undergraduate Cohort (4+1 & Senior Year Entry)

Requirements

• Begin assigned graduate courses in Junior spring and Senior year
• Attend certification exam workshops; develop an exam plan.
• Clinical experiences in high-need schools.
• Commit to working in a high-need school/assignment for the first five years after graduation.

Application Components

• Apply during Junior year (or specified credit window) to a 4+1 or graduate program.
• Maintain 3.0 GPA (students falling below 3.0 join a LEXICON academic support plan).
• Online interview.
• Two recommendations (peer + supervisor/leader/past instructor).
• Short multiple-choice screening.

What Is a LEXICON Scholar?

A LEXICON Scholar is an Iona Gael who:

• Chooses evidence-based, inclusive teaching.
• Commits to serving high-need schools.
• Leans on coaching, community, and mentorship to grow from candidate to career educator without unnecessary financial or structural barriers.

Ready to Get Started?

• Prospective Students
  • Undergraduate
    • Contact Undergraduate Admissions to learn more.
    • Apply Now
  • Graduate
    • Email: gradadmissions@iona.edu
    • Phone: (914) 633-2529
• Current Iona Education Students
  • Hawkins Scholar Application – Start your LEXICON journey.
  • Contact: Senior Director, Autumn Cancredi at acancredi@iona.edu. 

Questions? 

Contact Autumn Cancredi, Senior Director of the LEXICON Center for Teacher Excellence at Iona University, at acancredi@iona.edu.