As school districts across New York State work to address educator shortages, the South Colonie Central School District is taking a proactive approach by growing its own future workforce.

Through a structured Teaching Assistant (TA) pathway at Colonie Central High School, the district is helping students explore careers in education while earning credentials that position them for immediate employment after graduation. The program has become a cornerstone of the district’s long-term strategy to strengthen its educator pipeline.

Students begin the pathway by enrolling in Introduction to Teaching and Exploring Teaching as a Profession, college-level courses offered through SUNY Albany and taught by CCHS educators. These courses introduce students to curriculum development, classroom management strategies, and the daily realities of working in schools. Students also gain hands-on experience tutoring peers in the high school literacy center.

During the spring semester, participants attend workshops that prepare them to meet New York State Teaching Assistant certification requirements. Sessions cover topics such as DASA training, SAVE certification, fingerprinting, and navigating the NYS TEACH certification process. Students also receive targeted preparation for the ATAS (Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills), which they complete prior to graduation.

“The Teaching Assistant pathway gives students a meaningful head start on a career in education while helping them see themselves as future professionals in our schools,” said Kristin Mesick, Coordinator of the College and Career Planning Center. “It’s a true win-win. Students gain certification, experience, and confidence, and the district benefits from developing a strong pipeline of educators who already know our community.” 

The results have been growing. In recent years:

• 2025-26: 9 students enrolled; 8–9 are expected to pursue summer employment
• 2024-25: 14 students enrolled; 10 were hired
• 2023-24: 15 students enrolled; 11 were hired
• 2022-23: 7 students enrolled; 5 were hired

Graduates of the program have supported nearly all district summer learning opportunities, including Summer Academy, the Extended School Year program, and traditional summer school. Many alumni also return to Colonie Central High School as substitute teachers during college breaks, and several are now fully employed as teaching assistants within the district.

The pathway reflects a true “grow your own” model: students graduate with valuable credentials, early career experience, and eligibility to join the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, while the district benefits from a reliable and motivated talent pipeline rooted in the community.

By investing in students who are already connected to its schools, classrooms, and culture, South Colonie is not only preparing the next generation of educators but also strengthening the future of its workforce from within.