The Questar III BOCES Exceptional and Early Learning Department has established a new partnership with the Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education programs at Russell Sage College. This collaboration aims to provide college students with practical, hands-on student teaching experiences while offering insights into the operations of a full special education school.
The partnership was highlighted by Shauna Maynard, Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional and Early Learning at Questar III BOCES, who stated, “This partnership will offer pre-service teachers an opportunity to gain intensive, hands-on experience with students who have unique learning and behavioral needs, which is essential for building both confidence and competence in the classroom.”
Hands-On Learning Opportunities for Future Educators
Four student teachers from Russell Sage College, including Bailey Catlin and Hannah Anuszewski, are currently engaged in teaching at the Questar III BOCES George Washington School. Catlin expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We feel so welcome and like a part of the staff. I look forward to coming into this placement because I love the kids, and I’ve learned so much from my mentor teacher. She’s given me insights I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.”
Anuszewski echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’ve learned how to adapt the curriculum for these students because I want to make the best lessons I can.” Throughout their placement, the student teachers have collaborated with Questar III BOCES educators, gaining valuable skills including crisis intervention techniques and strategies for understanding behavioral differences.
Acknowledging the Impact of Collaboration
The importance of this partnership was emphasized by Kelly Smith, Assistant Professor of Education and Chair of Russell Sage’s Professional Education Programs Department. She remarked, “Russell Sage’s Esteves School of Education is thrilled for the opportunity to partner with Questar III BOCES’s George Washington School to provide our student teachers with invaluable experience working with a diverse group of young learners.”
Smith added that the student teachers are applying the Positive Education practices they learn in their program, further enhancing their skills as future educators. “The George Washington students are teaching our Sage students so much every day and making them better with every lesson. We’re so grateful for this partnership,” she said.
Both Questar III BOCES and Russell Sage College are committed to expanding this collaboration, creating more opportunities for future educators to gain essential experience in special education classrooms. This initiative not only benefits the student teachers but also enriches the learning environment for the students at George Washington School. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to foster a new generation of skilled and compassionate educators.
