Posted on November 24, 2021 – written by Austin Nagelhout, SOE Graduate Assistant
“Because of Buffalo State, I make a difference--every single day.”
Sue Wilson loved her experience in the Educational Leadership program. She had already earned degrees in Exceptional Education and Educational Computing from Buffalo State when she decided to pursue the Educational Leadership certificate. Since she had been an adjunct professor in the Elementary Education department and wanted to pursue another graduate certificate, it seemed like the logical next step to return to Buffalo State.
One reason Wilson was excited to join the Educational Leadership program was the chance to learn under reputable leaders with experience in Western New York schools. Dr. Wendy Paterson, the School of Education Dean, was one of Wilson’s role models for her compassion, wisdom, and ability to stand for her beliefs. Wilson also admired Dr. Roger Firestein for teaching her the value of collaboration, and Professor Fran Paskowitz for emphasizing the importance of teaching with love.
As a school administrator, Wilson always aimed to support students. She stated, “I knew I wanted to be an advocate for students with disabilities. After twenty years in the classroom, I began to think that I could have a positive impact on the lives of even more students and their families by working with their teachers.”
Wilson also knows how important it is to keep growing as an administrator. She advises to students, “Give yourself ‘grace and space’: The grace to let yourself fail in order to grow and the space to walk away from the work.”
Wilson’s goal is to continue working in school administration, both district and building-wide. She sees her career as an open door, and she hopes to continue learning in the future, maybe even through another degree at Buffalo State!
