Special Education 12

PROFILES IN SUCCESS: Annie Sheedy

Annie Sheedy says that without the supportive teachers and staff at Fox Meadow she might never have graduated high school. Now she is a teacher’s aide at the Walden School and looking to embark on a college degree in psychology.

Sheedy says she suffered from depression and ADHD as a middle school student, and by the time she got to high school she was skipping more days than she attended. "I would either not go to school or leave early," she says. Her parents sent her to a local private school, but that did not help. "I hated it, and I wasn’t learning anything."

In the middle of her sophomore year, Annie started at BOCES’ Fox Meadow High School and everything began to change.

"From the first day I felt valued," she says. "The teachers and staff were so welcoming; they knew I was nervous and really reached out. And the students were so friendly, too. I felt I had a reason to be in school."

Annie admits that she still did not have perfect attendance, but recalled that the teachers and principal would call her and encourage her to come to school. "They really cared about me."

Although she felt more engaged with schoolwork at Fox Meadow, studying was difficult for her. "There were days when I really doubted I would graduate." But with the help of the school psychologist and teachers, she learned valuable stress management techniques and soldiered on, graduating in 2020. "The teachers kept encouraging me to keep at it. I was so, so happy when I had all the credits to graduate. I couldn’t believe it!"

Annie’s mom, Elina, says the change in her daughter when she went to Fox Meadow was "like the difference between night and day." She said that Fox Meadow was the first time Annie had shown an interest in school. "She had more confidence, and her social life was better; she seemed to fit in and was more like herself."

She also appreciated the communication the school had with her as a parent and the extra steps the staff took to make sure Annie graduated. "She has come a long way, and we’re really proud of her. It was nothing short of miraculous."

It was at Annie’s work at a day care center in Mahopac, which she began when she was still in high school, where she found her calling. "I love to work with children," she says. With three years’ experience at the day care, Annie made the move to the Walden School at PNW BOCES, where she is an aide in a third- and fourth-grade classroom. "I want to help kids in need: I feel I understand them because of my own experience." Annie also works after school as a babysitter for a family in Mahopac. She gets off around 8 p.m., which means she has worked a 12-hour day. "That’s the way I like it," she says. "I know I need to be busy – to have structure."

It also helps her save for college. "I’ll probably go for my Associate’s degree first and see how it goes. I don’t want to overwhelm myself. But I definitely have a plan, and I’m going to act on it!"

CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

The Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) develops innovative programs and services designed to enhance the skills of school leaders at all levels, support those new to their roles, and provide pathways for future leaders. CEL works in collaboration with leaders from the region to set a level of programming that is current and relevant to the needs expressed by our districts.

LYNN ALLEN Ed.D.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT

lallen@pnwboces.org (914) 248-2310 LAURA G. NEIER

COORDINATOR OF SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND COLLEGE PARTNERSHIPS

lneier@pnwboces.org (914) 248-2354

CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

LAURA G. NEIER, LNEIER@PNWBOCES.ORG (914) 248-2354

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR LEADERS CO-SER 512

The Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) provides school leaders at all levels with a comprehensive array of learning opportunities to give them the knowledge, perspective, skills and experiences needed to meet the challenges of public education today. CEL provides leadership institutes, seminars, professional development activities, executive coaching, training programs and services that are economical and flexible, utilizing national consultants as well as successful practitioners. All offerings are anchored in the current realities of school leadership.

NEW SCHOOL BUILDING LEADER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM CO-SER 512

This yearlong program pairs experienced mentors with new school building leaders to assist them in the development of leadership skills and to support them in their new district roles. Designed for principals and assistant principals in their first three years of leadership or in their first year in a new district, this program combines standards-based, regional learning sessions with the benefit of personalized one-on-one support through on-site visits.

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS CO-SER 512

CEL provides professional development and master’s, doctoral and inservice programs for current and aspiring public school leaders. In order to provide the highest quality training opportunities, CEL is continuing successful collaborations and partnerships with Bank Street College of Education (Future School Leaders Academy – CO-SER 501); Clarkson University, Cornell University (Managing Organizational Conflict Certificate Series); Harvard University (Certificate in School Management and Leadership); Manhattanville College (Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership and Executive Ed.D. programs); Pace University (School District Business Leader); Teachers College, Columbia University (Education Policy Leadership Program); and Yale University (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence).

BANK STREET FUTURE SCHOOL LEADERS ACADEMY CO-SER 501

The Future School Leaders Academy (FSLA) prepares and certifies candidates for service as school and district leaders through a collaborative and hands-on approach to leadership preparation. To receive the Advanced Master's degree, participants must complete the equivalent of 30 units of academic credit and an approved internship. This is accomplished in five semesters with a July semester between the two school years. Upon completion, candidates receive New York State certificates as School District Leader and School Building Leader. FSLA is sponsored jointly by Bank Street College of Education, Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES and participating school districts. Candidates are enrolled by superintendent’s recommendation only. MANHATTANVILLE DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

CO-SER 512

The Manhattanville Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, offered in partnership with Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES, offers three pathways aimed at educational professionals with experience in major educational initiatives. The program is designed for practicing and prospective leaders, and experienced educators in P-20 education, serving schools, districts, colleges, universities, community organizations and entrepreneurial endeavors. The signature pedagogy of problem-based learning is integrated throughout the coursework, field experiences and applied research. Since 2010, Manhattanville's doctoral programs have focused on developing leaders who have vision, clarity, and self-confidence in leading groups and organizations, participating in professional and policymaking communities, and facilitating responsive educational environments.

PACE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUSINESS LEADER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (ONLINE) CO-SER 512

Conducted in conjunction with Pace University, the School District Business Leader program prepares flexible, visionary and reflective school business leaders with the skills necessary to create and sustain financial and operational functions within a school district. Instruction is offered online, and participants work with a cohort of peers within a professional network. Upon completion, New York State certification as a School District Business Leader is received. Career possibilities include assistant superintendent, business official or treasurer. The program is a pathway to either School District Business Leadership (36 credits) or a master's in School District Business Leadership/Public Administration (60 Credits). A Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (24 credits) is available for those holding SBL/SDL certification.

TEACHERS COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL POLICY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (EPLP) CO-SER 512

The Education Policy Leadership Program (EPLP) is sponsored by the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with Teachers College, Columbia University; and Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES. EPLP is a professional development experience focused on leadership development and educational policy implementation. The group meets for eight sessions over a 10-month period with an opportunity for participation in national conferences. The 9,000 EPLP alumni work in a variety of senior leadership positions in public education (including state commissioners of education and school superintendents), government (including members of Congress) and nonprofit and private sector organizations, where they make important contributions to public policy.