On Wednesday, March 25, fifty Victor Senior High students gathered in the JH/SH Arts Center to explore the diverse benefits of a career in education. The event, hosted by the Senior High Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program, featured a panel of teachers, administrators, and college students sharing their insights and experiences.

A Collaborative Vision

The initiative was a team effort sparked by a desire to address the national teacher shortage and reinvest in the local community.

"We have had WBL law and medical panels in the past," said Sue Utz, Work-Based Learning Coordinator. "It was VCS Director of Human Resources Dave Passero’s idea to have an Education Panel, recognizing we need to encourage more students to consider the education pathway. We also want to encourage our students to come back to VCS."

The Impact of the Profession

Dr. Julie Troman, Assistant Director of Field Experiences for SUNY Geneseo’s Ella Cline Shear School of Education, emphasized that education is the bedrock of all other careers.

"The work in schools... helps all students build the skills and competencies to see opportunities, open doors, and appreciate their own agency," Dr. Troman noted. "It is the one profession that makes all others possible. There is no more impactful or gratifying career choice!"

Sarah Toy, an Early Childhood School teacher, highlighted the unique culture at Victor. "VCS understands that a student's success is rooted in a strong support system... I feel truly privileged to work in a district that prioritizes a positive culture and strives to create long-lasting connections between school and home."

Advice for Aspiring Educators

For students feeling overwhelmed by the journey, Janelle Eckl, a graduate student at SUNY Geneseo, offered simple advice: trust your instincts.

"If you have a passion for helping others and growth, teaching is the right path," Eckl said. "Someone who is drawn to the field should follow that instinct if they want to make an impact."

Investing in the Future

The goal of the panel was to help students find a sense of purpose. VCS Director of Human Resources Dave Passero views these students as the future of the district.

"A career in education is not just a job; it is a way to give back to the community that raised them," Passero explained. "When we invest in their path today, we are really just investing in Victor's future."