Washingtonville Teacher Center reflects on another year of supporting educators 

While students may never see the work of the Washingtonville Teacher Center firsthand, its impact reaches classrooms across the district every day.

The Washingtonville Teacher Center (WTC) is one of 19 centers in the Lower Hudson Teacher Center Network, and has served educators in the district for more than 25 years. Funded through a state grant, the center provides professional learning opportunities, instructional resources and support designed to strengthen teaching and learning throughout Washingtonville schools.

Throughout the 2025-26 school year, the Teacher Center offered a variety of professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of Washingtonville educators. Topics included technology integration, special education, social-emotional learning, classroom management and book studies. To date, 228 teachers have participated in Teacher Center courses this year.

Led by Director Carla Sansone and a policy board made up primarily of teachers, along with parent, business and district representatives, the Teacher Center operates under a "by teachers, for teachers" philosophy that helps ensure programs reflect the needs of educators in the classroom.
 

One of the year's most unique opportunities came through a collaboration with the Rockland Teacher Center and New York City College of Technology. WHS hosted the Manufacturing Systems Course Technology Education program, providing educators pursuing Technology Education certification with access to the school's technology lab.

The partnership brought teachers from across the region to Washingtonville and helped address the growing need for certified Technology Education instructors.

"This program provides the Washingtonville Teacher Center with the ability to expand our reach and benefit a wider community of teachers and peers," Ms. Sansone said. "The more teachers we have certified in Technology Education, the more we elevate the standard of instruction across the Hudson Valley."

The Teacher Center also continued its annual Mini Grants Program, which provides educators with funding to support innovative classroom projects.

This year's recipients included Round Hill Elementary School teacher Debbie Boerke for her "Owl Pellet Investigation" project, Taft Elementary School music teacher Elena Copeland for "The Use of Handchimes to Increase Music Literacy and Independent Musicianship," and Washingtonville Middle School teacher Jennifer Dempsey for a nicotine education initiative.

On June 23, Ms. Boerke's fifth grade students put their grant-funded project into action by dissecting owl pellets to identify bones and reconstruct the diets of birds of prey. The hands-on investigation gave students the opportunity to think like scientists while exploring local ecosystems.

"I remember doing an owl pellet investigation when I was a fourth grader at Round Hill in Mr. Cuccia's class, and I am so grateful that our fifth grade students were able to have the same experience," Ms. Boerke said. "I know science is not everyone's favorite subject, but today we got to see all of the students extremely engaged and excited for this hands-on activity with their friends. Thank you so much to the Washingtonville Teacher Center for providing this amazing opportunity for our students!"

Beyond professional development and grants, the Teacher Center supported educators in a variety of ways throughout the year. Ten new mentors were trained through the district's mentor program, helping prepare experienced teachers to support colleagues entering the profession. The center also sponsored wellness opportunities for staff, including yoga sessions led by Taft Elementary School teacher Brittany Davis.

Additional initiatives included support for the district's 21st Century Teacher Workshops, a series of required professional learning experiences for teachers in their first years with the district. The WTC also helped sponsor the district's Wellness Expo and provided opportunities for educators to attend regional conferences, including the Ten County Math Educators Conference.

As the school year comes to a close, the Teacher Center is already looking ahead. Summer offerings include courses on reflective teaching, classroom design and engagement, as well as a book study titled What We Say and How We Say It Matter. Teachers can check the Frontline Catalog for a complete list of courses available this summer. 

Ms. Sansone credited the center's success to the collaboration and support it receives throughout the district.

"The Teacher Center's success is made possible by the support of our Board of Education, district leadership, and the many educators who continue to invest in professional learning," Ms. Sansone said. "Together, they help create opportunities that strengthen teaching and learning throughout our district."