"People have these presumptions that our students are, or are not, not able to do things. We're showing them, they can, they will, and they do."

"When everybody works together for the same reason, it impacts the child's life immensely. I think families know we want what's best for the kids and they love that we're doing it."

"Getting to know my students and working with a student directly, is one of the things I like most about the job. A lot of people will talk about not liking their jobs, and it's hard not to like my job."

"I work for a district that supports us in the arts department and we can pass along the vital experience in arts that all kids deserve and need. I'm grateful for that every day."

"It's the little things that the kids do that make me feel like I'm making a difference."

"In the moment you just know you're doing a job. They say thank you and you think, maybe I really do have an impact on these students' lives. That simple thank you and kind gesture keeps me going."

"It’s people like Dr. (James) Jackson, like Mr. (Joseph) Corr and of course the fine teachers throughout my 24 years of teaching. It’s the people. And then of course there’s always the kids. They come into class. They’re smiling, they’re happy, keeping that momentum going."

"I’ve worked in three different buildings and always had wonderful experiences with people and each community. Being supportive of making a plan and having a good conversation about what is best for each child. It feels like a second home."

"The community has always been so kind and welcoming. It has helped me grow. When everything was new and I was nervous, there were always people willing to help, sit down, listen, and chat with me and help me figure out solutions."

"Our district always is willing to adapt and change and it’s always for the kids' best interest… Every year you come in as a teacher and there’s always a new point of emphasis. It’s just a really supportive place and I can’t imagine being anywhere else."

“The people that I work with–my team, my special education team, the people in the FACS department and the whole Career & Technical Education department–are totally supportive of each other. They’re like a family, I love them.”

“Helping the kids, teaching the kids. Talking to the kids - it’s just fun and all about being a people person. It’s a very rewarding job, because it benefits the kids.”

“Bringing a smile to a kid's face is the most rewarding thing anyone can do. In a school educational environment, it is the best. If you can make someone's day, it goes a long way. Being a safety monitor, I take pride in keeping everyone safe. These kids are my kids too"

“The most rewarding part of my job is providing support and helping others, whether it’s assisting staff and parents directly or connecting them with someone who can.”

“Really enjoy interacting with the kids when I can. The teachers are like my second family. The staff here is really like my second family. We support each other through good and bad and I think that’s why I just feel very close to everybody.”

“It’s been a good ride here. I’ve worked with a lot of good people and that’s why I’m still here until almost 70.”

“Greeting the visitors and staff, and students, and making them feel welcome.”

"I feel like our mission at North Colonie really aligns with my teaching practices... We have such a diverse group of students here, which I think is amazing."

"Just continuing to fight for equity for all students and just making sure if we see something, we say something. And I always say all students should have access to all things. Really the equity, accessibility and inclusion are all what I'm working for here."

"Knowing that I've made a difference, whether it's big or small, is the most amazing part of my job."

"When I first started, one of my old DOT Inspectors said to work on a bus like my kids were riding on it. So that's how I've always looked at working on buses."

“It’s just a great school district. I tell the student teachers that come through that this is kind of a dream job. When you get a job at a district like this, you should really count your blessings because it’s few and far between."

"I just love the middle school. I love the energy and the chaos of middle school and the kids have the type of motivation and that interest level still at this age which I love"

“I just love working with students. Especially with computer science, I’m teaching them something brand new. I just love that. I can see when they’re actually getting something and when they really get into it.”

"I truly value being part of a district that actively honors and validates our students' multicultural and multilingual identities through its programs and practices.”

“I would say the most rewarding part of my job is being a part of my families’ journeys... I do see it as a privilege to be in this position where I am one of the first faces that welcome them.”

“I feel like every staff member matters at North Colonie.”

“It’s actually really rewarding when kids don’t need to come to reading anymore. The kids are just so proud of themselves. It’s great just seeing that little light go off in their head, when they can understand and do things they couldn’t before.”

"That would be the best thing, running into people you see down the road that you’ve had some impact or influence in their life and you didn’t know you did.”