Questar III School Social Worker Jane Govola said student success is achieved through teamwork.
Whether it’s working with students in small groups, meeting with a building team before school or forming a professional learning community (PLC), Questar III School Social Worker Jane Govola knows student success is achieved through teamwork.
Based at the Sackett Educational Center in Schodack, Govola helps students manage their challenges and find their strengths in preparation for college or a career. She is also a part-time team leader of clinicians – social workers and psychologists.
Govola is currently helping students prepare for their annual review. This includes verbalizing their strengths and areas of growth so they can advocate for themselves. The group discussion also allows students to identify strengths in others.
“We work that way in our teams as well, taking a multi-disciplinary approach,” she said. “We figure out who has what to offer in order to provide the best support for our students.”
Govola said that support has never been more critical now that exiting credentials for students with disabilities have changed. Students in New York State no longer receive IEPs, but their graduation credential is focused on career development, integrated learning and universal foundation skills.
Despite all the work Govola and the Questar III staff do for the students, Govola said it’s the students themselves who are the real heroes.
“Imagine you’re trying to meet the expectations of school along with all your own challenges,” said Govola. “It is our job to acknowledge that and help them find a way to their success.”
Govola lives in Johnsonville and has two sons. One is a senior in high school, the other is a substitute teaching assistant at Questar III’s Rensselaer Academy. Soon she will be an “empty nester” and said she plans on doing more yoga, making more jewelry and going on more dates with her husband.
Govola has worked for Questar III since 1996 and said that while the organization is constantly evolving, the students and staff consistently make her job worthwhile.
“After all these years, I still love coming to work,” she said. “The students are so fun and creative; if you remember to laugh every day you will enjoy this job like I have.”
