New Special Education principal Karen Brockley leads Sackett Educational Center and district-based programs at Maple Hill Middle School and Red Mill Elementary School. Read on to learn about her work and her background before coming to Questar III.
Q: What is your role here at Questar III, and where do you work?
I am the new principal at Sackett Educational Center, as well as principal of the programs at Maple Hill and Red Mill.
Q: How long have you worked here?
I was hired in the middle of August so my first month has been very busy, exciting, and informative.
Q: How do you see your role in supporting the BOCES and the school districts it supports?
In my role as a principal I see myself working with the component districts to ensure that all students within my program are getting the education and supports that they need to be successful. I think that for any student it is important to build a collaborative relationship with all the important members of a students’ education. I believe it is my job to give this support to both Questar III, as well the districts that my students are coming from.
Q: What is your background like – previous jobs, your education, etc.?
I am from the area. I was born and raised in Colonie and stayed here to complete my education. I have received all of my degrees from The College of Saint Rose. I got my Bachelor’s Degree there in Secondary English Education, my Master’s Degree in Secondary Special Education, and then my certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration.
I started as a monitor and a teacher’s assistant in South Colonie’s Special Education Summer Program while I was working on my Bachelor’s Degree. While working in this program I realized my passion for special education. I worked for 10 summers at South Colonie becoming a Special Education teacher once I completed my Master’s Degree. My summer experience led to a job opportunity at Guilderland High School as soon as my degree was complete as a Special Education Teacher. I was very fortunate and worked at Guilderland for 5 years before coming here to Questar III.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
One of the things that appealed to me about this job was being able to work with a variety of teachers, support staff, and students. One of the things I enjoy about the job is that fact that I get to work on a team with so many hard-working and knowledgeable professionals. This job offers a look at the different needs of students and what it means to provide these students with different supports and services to make them successful both during their education here at Questar III, as well as post-secondary life.
Q: Tell us a bit about your life outside of Questar III.
My whole family and many friends still live here in the area so when I am not working I enjoy spending time with them. I love to be active – running, working out, or being outside with my Rottweiler Sadie. I am an avid New York Yankees, New York Rangers, and San Francisco 49ers fan! In the summer I enjoy traveling to the beach and going to the Saratoga Race Course.
