Teacher Residents
Meet the Residents
The second class of 15 in the GSE Teacher Residency Program, a partnership with Buffalo Public Schools, began in the summer of 2020 with a virtual institute. Each student is working with a mentor teacher at their assigned school. They will co-teach this year while taking courses that connect research and theory to teaching. Once they finish in August, 2021, residents are certified and eligible to work as full-time teachers in Buffalo schools. Here, members of this year’s class explain how they expect the residency to shape their careers.
Dayna Boone
Dayna Boone earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and worked as an intern in the Health Promotion office and was a Campus Living resident advisor. She liked the residency’s mentorship approach.
I loved the mission of the program. I knew I wouldn’t have gotten this anywhere else.”
Griffin Coyne
Griffin Coyne earned a bachelor’s degree in English, and has been working as a gallery assistant and bartender at a local art and event space. He was attracted by the residency’s immersive approach.
We receive real-time, relevant coursework that won’t be lost over the span of a few semesters.”
Gary Crump
Gary Crump earned a bachelor’s degree in history. He also earned a law degree from Case Western Reserve University. He supervised a high school equivalency diploma program and is particularly interested in training in city settings.
The one-year residency affords us a practical deep dive into the everyday life of a teacher.”
Sara Gullo
Sara Gullo has a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She worked as a substitute teacher in Buffalo schools and sought out the residency to teach full-time in the diverse classrooms of the city she loves.
I aspire to be a transformational elementary school teacher and create a classroom environment that is a safe place.”
Lindsey Hanes
Lindsey Hanes earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology. She has worked as a classroom aide, behavior technician and teaching assistant in local schools. She is eager to lead a classroom of her own.
It’s time to embrace my passion … This program felt like it was tailored to my dreams.”
Micah Harris
Micah Harris a Marine veteran, earned his bachelor’s degree in history with a coaching minor. He has been substitute teaching and coaching football and basketball.
I want to be a teacher and, eventually, a school principal.”
Jahil Jocelyn Joseph
Jahil Jocelyn Joseph earned a bachelor’s degree in French. He chose the residency to focus on his studies and teaching.
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, help students and create a positive and equal environment for all.”
Berkeley Kozuch
Berkeley Kozuch earned a bachelor’s degrees in biological studies and Spanish. She ran an elementary school after-school program and enrolled in the residency to learn how to help students create change.
I want to have a positive impact on our future and the community while…showing my students the importance of education and the power of science.”
Cassidy McGee
Cassidy McGee earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a Spanish minor. She chose the residency for its supportive approach and community focus.
I want to do something that matters. I want to help people and I want to involve myself in my job at a level that provides the most impact.”
David Panepinto
David Panepinto earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a law degree. He’s worked as an assistant district attorney in Erie County and for a nonprofit helping Alaska Natives develop their courts. He chose the program to inform his teaching with research and theory.
I want to use my experience to help urban students reach their full potential.”
Brianna Perry
Brianna Perry earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and an associate degree in nursing. She has worked as a school nurse and liked the residency for including a stipend with coursework and job search assistance.
It has been my dream to be a teacher.”
Ivey Pittman
Ivey Pittman earned a bachelor’s degree in history. Her passion for teaching followed an experience mentoring troubled students. She wants to develop a theater-related after-school program.
I can relate to a lot of students in urban areas. I feel as though it is my duty to help prepare them for life after school.”
Devan Rodriguez
Devan Rodriguez has a bachelor’s degree in English. Before enrolling, he was working on an MFA in fiction, writing a book and leading writing workshops.
The residency program has a unique method of coteaching...I want to teach high school and college while
continuing to work on my novels.”
Monet Simpson
Monet Simpson earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Since graduation in May, she’s worked as a food service supervisor and a babysitter for a child with autism. She looks forward to working with a mentor teacher.
I expect that I will gain an immense amount of insight on a multitude of programs, protocols, and teaching styles.”
Courtney Smith
Courtney Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in individualized studies. Her interest in teaching followed her work as a teacher’s aide.
I wanted to become a teacher but didn’t think I could do it because my undergraduate degree was not in education. The residency program was a way I could fulfill my goal of teaching.”