CANTON -- St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES and SUNY Potsdam, in partnership with Brasher Falls and Norwood-Norfolk Central School Districts, have developed a Future Teacher Fellows Program this year to offer college students the opportunity to gain paid experience.

The Future Teacher Fellows Program wrapped up its first semester this month with a group of seven students who had the opportunity to gain experience substitute teaching in a variety of classrooms.

“The opportunity to remain working in a school during my coursework was really beneficial,” says Andrea Ashcroft, a Future Teacher Fellow during Fall 2019. “I think it's important for pre-service teachers to have as much in-school experience as possible so that the information from grad courses can be applied to a real context. I really appreciate this program's willingness to accommodate my course schedule so that I did not have to worry about work conflicting with school.”

"This program is an example of North Country schools, BOCES, and higher education creating a partnership that benefits our students and develops future teachers. It's a creative solution to the ongoing teacher and substitute teacher shortage issue," says Bob Stewart, Superintendent, Brasher Falls Central School District.

Future Teacher Fellows will be continuing in Spring 2020. Candidates who are interested must be currently enrolled at SUNY Potsdam and complete an application to determine eligibility.

To learn more about this opportunity, contact Danielle Colterman, danielle.colterman@sllboces.org.