What began as an opportunity to explore the field of education up close has come full circle for eight area high school seniors who recently completed the inaugural year of the New Visions in Education program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES in partnership with SUNY Fredonia.
Over the course of the year, the students spent time in local classrooms, observing educators in action, and engaging in hands-on learning experiences across a range of school settings. Many are now preparing to continue their studies to become future educators.
Launched this past fall, the New Visions program is designed for college-bound seniors interested in careers in education, providing hands-on learning through coursework, classroom observations, and field-based experiences in area schools.
Students have the opportunity to earn up to 19 transcripted college credits through SUNY Fredonia, giving them a head start as they enroll in educator preparation programs. Those who choose to defer college enrollment can also use the credits to qualify for New York State Education Department pre-professional Teaching Assistant certification.
Under the instruction of Mary Galac, the inaugural cohort included Gracia Domenico of Fredonia, Mateo Francisco of Dunkirk, Irelynd Henry of Silver Creek, Mia Norman of Eden, Megan Nye of Dunkirk, Grace Perry of Brocton, Madalyn Smith of Fredonia, and Finnigen Steward of Pine Valley.
Throughout the program, students gained firsthand insight into the education profession through a combination of classroom observations and hands-on experiences. Their placements provided a deeper understanding of instructional planning, student engagement, and the many responsibilities educators take on each day.
“As principal, I couldn’t be prouder of this remarkable group of students,” said LoGuidice Educational Center Principal Joe Pagan. “They have challenged themselves academically, embraced the responsibilities of future educators, and represented our program with professionalism and integrity.”
He said their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and to the strength of the partnership between Erie 2 BOCES and SUNY Fredonia.
“I have no doubt they are well prepared for the next chapter in their educational and professional journeys,” Pagan said.
For Mateo Francisco of the Dunkirk City School District, the year brought a new appreciation for the preparation that goes into every lesson.
“I do have a better appreciation for the work teachers put into their jobs, especially those who are just starting out and building experience,” Francisco said. “There’s a lot of effort that goes into planning, like creating detailed lesson plans, that really made me realize how much work it takes.”
Francisco plans to continue his education at SUNY Fredonia, where he will pursue a career as an art teacher.
“I plan to further my education and become an art teacher for middle or high school,” he said.
Irelynd Henry of Silver Creek Central School reflected on both the personal and professional growth she experienced throughout the New Visions in Education program, especially through time spent in local classrooms.
“My experience has been very positive,” she said. “I liked getting to meet all the friends I currently have that I wouldn’t have otherwise met. I also liked getting to go out into the field, experience what it feels like to connect with kids.”
She also pointed to communication as one of her biggest takeaways.
“As an educator, it’s very different interacting with students as peers compared to being an authority figure,” Henry said. “Being patient and adapting the language you use has been really important.”
Henry plans to pursue a degree in music education with a concentration in voice at SUNY Fredonia.
For Grace Perry of Brocton Central School, the program helped turn uncertainty into direction.
“My experience in the New Visions program has been very positive,” she said. “I feel like I’ve really grown and learned a lot about myself, what I want from college, and how to navigate this whole new life that I’m entering into.”
Through classroom observations and field experiences, Perry gained clarity about her future path after entering the program, even though she was unsure whether teaching was the right fit. She now plans to pursue a career as a secondary social studies teacher and will continue her education at Tallahassee State College.
Mia Norman of Eden Central School found her experience in a kindergarten classroom especially meaningful as she solidified her career goals.
“I always knew I wanted to work with little kids, but this gave me the opportunity to actually see firsthand what goes on behind the scenes and in the classroom as well,” she said.
Norman plans to pursue a career in kindergarten education and will attend SUNY Fredonia.
Pagan said the program demonstrates the value of collaboration between secondary and higher education while creating opportunities for students to begin their college journeys before graduating high school.
“This partnership exemplifies what can be accomplished when secondary and higher education work together toward a common goal,” Pagan said. “Our students are not only earning college credits and gaining authentic teaching experience but also building relationships with SUNY Fredonia faculty and experiencing campus life firsthand. We are preparing the next generation of educators while creating a pathway that encourages students to continue their education locally and ultimately serve the schools and communities that need them most.”
Janeil C. Rey, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education, Health Sciences, and Human Services at SUNY Fredonia, said the partnership has benefited students both academically and personally.
“SUNY Fredonia is grateful for the opportunity to partner with E2CCB to offer high school seniors the opportunity to explore the teaching career and earn college credit towards their major,” Rey said. “Equally importantly, over the year, students became familiar and comfortable with the resources and opportunities available on a college campus to support their success. I respect these students for taking a chance on a new program and look forward to welcoming many of them back this fall as fully matriculated SUNY Fredonia students.”
Students interested in the New Visions in Education program or who wish to apply are encouraged to contact their school counselor or Alycia Lacki, counselor at the LoGuidice Educational Center, at 716-672-4371 ext. 2001 or alacki@e2ccb.org.
