Our teacher education students have first hand knowledge of the ways that our programs, people, opportunities, and experiences shape lives. Many of our graduates stay in touch with their Buffalo State instructors, advisors, and mentors long after they have moved from teacher candidate to teacher. These graduates frequently write to former faculty and staff, sharing their experiences and reflections from the field of education.
Click on the names below to learn about the varied places our graduates are working (in the field of education, and beyond!), the happenings of our student teacher candidates, the ways in which these amazing individuals are contributing to their communities, and how Buffalo State helped them achieve their goals and dreams.
"What I love most about what I do, is that I am in the position to be a perpetual learner. As much as I am in the classroom to teach students, they continue to teach me in so many unimaginable ways.”
“My many and varied experiences at Buffalo State prepared me not only for my time as a Special Education teacher, but also as a leader."
"I think that at Buffalo State I was able to truly experience and explore so much of myself as a person.”
"Education has allowed me to positively impact the future opportunities available to numerous students and colleagues."
"I think high quality education is life changing and so if I can be a part of making someone's education all that it can be, that motivates me."
“Making a difference in the lives of children provides no greater sense of satisfaction and purpose.”
"I was looking for a distinguished education program and Buffalo State clearly met that criteria. I knew I needed to attend a college that wasn’t too large in size, yet also offered an urban environment.”
“I am committed to giving back to my community, through teaching and leading.”
“I love that every day is something new with different and exciting challenges.”
"I love that every day is different, every school year brings its own unique issues.”
"Because of Buffalo State, I can now contribute to my community and to the field of bilingual special education."
“Once you find confidence in what you’re doing you will feel invincible.”
"Buffalo State was integral in igniting my passion for literacy."
"My entire experience at Buffalo State prepared me for the real world, I understood the purpose of what I was doing."
“A strong work ethic has always been my driving force”
“I want students to receive the best education - no matter socioeconomic background or race - while instilling a sense of community and purpose that can only be achieved through that student.”
“I wanted to help children take the set of cards they were dealt and use them to succeed in life.”
“No day is the same and every single day you will learn something new.”
"Because of Buffalo State, I am going to be the best person I can be and, in turn, have a great impact on others."
"All of my faculty were at the top of their field. The sense of community I felt in the music department was awesome and inspiring."
"Buffalo State allowed me to become a creative teacher and go beyond basic textbook work with kids"
“Having the experience at the literacy center [through Buffalo State] propelled us to open our own literacy center.”
“Always say yes to an opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone. Those are going to be the most rewarding opportunities to develop.”
"[I am] committed to community empowerment, community action and social justice through equitable community education.”
"Because of Buffalo State...I am a teacher."
“What drives me to continue in the field and continue in the city district is the notion that you can actually impact the trajectory of a student.”
"Whether it is teaching, learning, tutoring or volunteering, Buffalo State can help to shape your teaching philosophies and provide you with the necessary tools to aid in your success as an educator, just as they did mine.”
“I really did not look forward to distant education courses, but I was pleasantly surprised by the degree of interaction, the variety, and I found through the facilitated online discussions it was very similar. To some degree it was better…”
"I had come from a quite regimented elementary and high school background, so it was great to find out at Buffalo State that classrooms could be fun, interactive, and meaningful."
“I believe in our youth. In a significant way, this belief is what our community is missing.”
“Teaching is the most hopeful profession you can have.”
“Buffalo State helped lay the foundation for what has been an opportunity for me to work with and help thousands of young people throughout my career.”
"Because of Buffalo State I gained many practical skills to integrate into the projects I have worked on, and I was inspired to think outside the box in everything I do.”
“There have been many pieces of the puzzle I have put together to form who I am. Some of these pieces are bigger than the other, not more important or better, just different shapes and sizes.”
"Ever since I was young, I wanted to help people in some way."
"I love helping people that have additional challenges in successfully navigating traditional life experiences!"
“I walked into Buffalo State College as someone who just wanted a degree, yet left with so much more. I was transformed by the community in my department and by my mentors.”
“The end goal is to help make the world a better place, and I still believe that education can do that - but change, both on a large and small scale, needs to happen.”
“The best way to learn is to teach, and the best way to teach is to allow your students to own their learning. Let them experience the learning and you be a facilitator, not a bestower of information."
“To me, teaching is an art. Everyone can get to a final masterpiece; however, the process for getting there can be done in many fun and different ways.”
“Every day is an opportunity to empower, uplift, love and support your students. On your toughest days, remember this - to be a teacher is a gift.”
"Because of Buffalo State...I am a global educator!"
“A teacher brings students along, helps them grow, and then watches them fly. Each new school year is filled with promises and challenges that are enriching.”
“I love watching my students learn and grow. And I enjoy the creativity and challenge of always trying to improve my practice so students learn even more!”
“Because of Buffalo State I have the tools to succeed. If I succeed, my students succeed and that is all an educator can ever ask for.”
