Danielle Bouton-Wales is Questar III’s Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE). Learn more about her background and how she supports students, staff and school districts across our region.
Q: What is your role here at Questar III, and where do you work?
I am the new Director of Career and Technical Education for Questar III. I will have an office in Castleton, but I plan on spending much of my time at the Columbia-Greene and Rensselaer Educational Centers.
Q: How long have you worked here?
I started working for Questar III in mid-March as the Project-Based Learning Coordinator for Tech Valley High School. This was a great experience as I was able to dive deeply into project and problem-based learning. I was also able to work with some of the area school districts, form relationships with local businesses, and lead a variety of professional developments.
Q: How do you see your role in supporting the BOCES and school districts?
I believe it is important to have close relationships with the school districts in order to help our students be successful. Since students in the CTE programs are only with us for half the day and at their home school the other half, it is especially important to have open and ongoing communication with the schools about the students and their progress. It “takes a village to raise a child” and by developing collaborative relationships with the families and the school districts, we are better able to provide what that student needs to be successful in life.
Q: What is your background like – previous jobs, your education, etc.?
Before coming to work at Questar III, I was the K-12 Math, Science, and Technology Coordinator for the Schenectady City School District for 7 years. Prior to that, I was a middle school math teacher for 10 years. I have taught all levels of students from Kindergarten to seniors. I have always had a passion for working with children, especially young adults. It is exciting to see them learn and be able to make good decisions for themselves.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy working with educators to help create the best learning environments and opportunities for students. I find the challenge of continually evolving and improving education as our world continually changes to be very exciting, motivating, and rewarding. I am looking forward to working with the teachers, administrators, and staff at the CTE centers in my new role.
Q: Tell us a bit about your life outside of Questar III.
Right now life is a bit on hold as I am working on my doctorate. Outside of that I have a very supportive husband, two wonderful step-children, two crazy cats, a lazy dog, and a very fat guinea pig. I enjoy staying active, but I am not a fan of being outside in the winter!
