Shaping the Future: NFA’s Early College Teaching Pathway

Have you ever thought about the teachers who changed your life? Those educators who inspired your love for a subject or challenged you to believe in yourself are the backbone of our community. Now, Newburgh Free Academy is offering students the chance to be that person for someone else through the Teaching/Educator Pathway! Additionally, we know that the students in our community know us best. This is another way our district is planting an early seed for recruitment, creating a student to teacher pipeline! 

As part of their clinical experience, high school scholars walk to Gidney Avenue Memorial School (GAMS) to facilitate hands-on instruction, effectively connecting their academic coursework with real-world classroom application.

This exciting program is a key part of the NECSD Early College High School Program, designed to give aspiring teachers a massive head start on their professional journey. 

Through the Smart Scholars Grant, this program is offered at no cost to students or their families. Scholars participating in this pathway will:

• Earn a minimum of 25 college credits in the education content area.

• Gain foundational knowledge in pedagogy and classroom leadership.

• Experience a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for a career in the classroom.

Building a pathway to a teaching career takes a village. This program is a proud collaboration between the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and our esteemed local higher education partners:

• SUNY Orange (Orange County Community College)

• Mount Saint Mary College

Current 8th grade students should look for this opportunity for a chance to turn a passion for helping others into a rewarding career—all while getting a significant head start on a college degree!

The outstanding program is taught by Mrs. Kate Sinnott.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!