August 30, 2022 —
In the fall of 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES launched a program called New Vision Education. He is based in Malone.
The idea was to create a pool of local teachers. Students spend time in schools, earn training and certifications, and even earn college credit, allowing them to earn an associate’s degree in just one year after graduation.
So far, twelve students have completed the program at Malone. This fall, a sister program at Saranac Lake will open.
Jess Collier of FEH BOCES said after the launch of the Malone scheme: “We’ve had administrators from the south who contacted us when they heard about the scheme…and said, ‘You know, that would be really nice for us. , we are facing staff shortages, and we would really like to start working on this pipeline to bring students back here and teach. ‘”
The new program is for high school students in Long Lake, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. He is based at Petrova Elementary School in Saranac Lake.
Saranac Lake teacher Kara Munn will lead the program. She said, “It’s a wonderful way to welcome young people into the field of education. There is so much positivity in the teaching, which has been there, which has always been there, which will always be there. I want to be part of bringing the positive and rewarding aspects of teaching back to the fore. And to give students who they think have an interest the opportunity to experience it.
Students taking the program can also work as a paid substitute teacher in their home district while in college. It’s especially exciting for participating districts, given the ever-shrinking pool of substitutes, Kara Munn said.
“Part of the goal of the New Vision education program is to actually inspire young people to come back and join us as part of our team at our local schools.”
Students can still apply to join the program this fall. Between the northern program in Malone and the southern program in Saranac Lake, 13 seniors are currently enrolled.