On Feb. 6, Orange-Ulster BOCES held its annual Career and Technical Education Media Day, in conjunction with National Career and Technical Education Month.
The Career and Technical Education Center offers over 39 academies designed to provide training for students and give them the advantage of mastering marketable technical skills while also fulfilling academic requirements to graduate from high school. CTEC students are able to earn college credits and most move on to post-secondary education after graduation.
Upon entering the Goshen facility last Thursday, invited guests were met with tables displaying each of the school’s academies. Students were on hand to explain and/or demonstrate their programs. Manning the Education Academy table was Cornwall High School senior Orlane Dubreus.
Dubreus notes one of the benefits of attending BOCES is it affords students the opportunity to try out a career to see if it’s something they want to pursue further in college.
“When I was younger I always thought about becoming a teacher,” Dubreus said. “When I got into high school I learned ther was an education program available. I figured I might as well try it to see if that’s what I wanted to go to college for.”
The two-year CTEC program allowed Dubreus to make a more educated decision about her future career. Also interested in pursuing a career in writing or publishing, Dubreus decided to use teaching for temporary employment, but not as a lifelong career.
Although she’s decided the classroom isn’t where she wants to spend the rest of her life, the opportunities presented to her have not been wasted.
More than anything, the Education Academy has taught Dubreus to better manage her time.
“We have kids come in and we’re the ones teaching them,” she said. “It’s a hands-on experience. I have lesson plans I have to write every week. The program taught me to be responsible for myself and others. if I don’t write that lesson plan, it’s not just detrimental to me, it’s detrimental to their education as well.”
Dubreus never considered herself as a creative or artistic person, but writing lesson plans, to grab the kids’ attention, has aided in developing that attribute. She said the program has had a positive impact on her writing.
At the end of the program, Dubreus will have the opportunity to take the Childhood Development Association exam. Passing the exam will award her a certificate allowing her to work as a teacher or daycare assistant right out of high school.
Durbeus said she plans to study English either somewhere in New York or possibly Loyola University in Maryland, but while she’s in school she plans to use the certificate to work.
For freshmen and sophomores who are on the fence about their future career path, Dubreus recommends looking into the options BOCES offers. Nothing is lost by giving something a try.
“Even if you aren’t sure of a certain career you’ve been thinking about your whole life, try it now rather than regret it later. If I hadn’t, I would have decded to go to college for education rather than writing.”
When Dubreus’ teacher presented her with the opportunity to man a table on Media Day, she jumped at the opportunity. She was eager to share her experiences with the children.
