SUNY Geneseo’s future educators recently visited the Mount Morris Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center and Academy, where over 30 teacher candidates had the opportunity to tour the facilities and interact with students in various programs. Organized by the Office of Field Experiences at SUNY Geneseo, the visit was designed to provide preservice teachers with valuable exposure to diverse educational settings, deepening their understanding of unique school environments and instructional approaches.
The Geneseo students were welcomed by Student Services Coordinator, Michelle Caton and Assistant Principal, Holly Wetherbee who facilitated a full day of exploration. Divided into four groups, the teacher candidates toured both CTE programs and the Academy’s alternative and special education classes. The experience allowed them to observe the culture and dynamics of a center that specializes in hands-on, career-oriented learning as well as alternative education, offering them a firsthand look at different approaches to teaching and student engagement.
During the tour, the Geneseo students met with CTE students from programs such as Culinary Arts, Health Dimensions, and Automotive Technology. These interactions gave the preservice teachers insight into the benefits of career and technical education, particularly for students passionate about entering skilled trades or healthcare fields. The teacher candidates were able to see the motivation and enthusiasm CTE students brought to their specialized learning paths, underscoring the importance of connecting education to real-world skills.
“Hosting teacher candidates for a tour of our CTE programs allows them to experience firsthand the dynamic environments where academic and industry skills merge,” stated Michelle Caton, Student Services Coordinator. “These future educators witness how CTE prepares students for real-world challenges by blending practical, hands-on learning with rigorous academic standards. This experience allows future teachers to understand how CTE pedagogy fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, empowering students to be both college and career-ready.”
In the Academy, the Geneseo students observed classes designed to provide alternative education and specialized support. They had the opportunity to meet Academy students and educators who shared insights on the tailored, individualized instruction that supports students who thrive outside a traditional classroom setting. Observing these classes allowed the Geneseo students to gain valuable insights into differentiated instruction and adaptive teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of creating flexible learning paths.
Throughout the day, the Geneseo visitors were able to observe the dynamic atmosphere fostered within the CTE and Academy programs. Culinary students at the CTE Center prepared light refreshments for the visiting teacher candidates, showcasing their skills and providing a taste of the real-world applications taught within the program. This interaction underscored the emphasis on practical learning that characterizes CTE education and highlighted the pride students take in their work.
The collaborative visit also underscored the mutual benefits of connecting colleges with high schools, particularly for those training to become educators. The preservice teachers observed instructional strategies employed by CTE and Academy teachers and saw the positive impact of programs that cater to diverse learning styles and career paths, reinforcing the significance of engaging and inclusive education.
“Our teacher candidates were incredibly impressed by the depth and variety of programs offered and the opportunity to tour such a uniquely structured school,” stated Dr. Julie Troman, Assistant Director of Field Experiences. “Every teacher we spoke with conveyed a consistent message—they love what they do, believe in their students, are passionate about connecting rigor and relevance, and, without exception, emphasize that relationships matter.”
As the day concluded, the Geneseo students reflected on the valuable insights they gained from experiencing this unique educational environment. The visit exemplified the benefits of immersive field experiences for aspiring teachers, who left with a deeper understanding of the range of approaches that can be used to meet students’ varied needs.
This successful collaboration between SUNY Geneseo and the Mount Morris CTE and Academy underscored the importance of partnerships that provide preservice teachers with a firsthand look at innovative educational settings, preparing them to create inclusive and impactful classrooms in their future careers.