The Baldwin Union Free School District has earned statewide recognition once again, receiving its sixth New York State School Boards Association Champions of Change Award for an innovative student career-readiness program.
This year’s honor was awarded to Baldwin Middle School’s Future Teachers of Baldwin Pre-Academy, a program designed to introduce eighth grade students to the field of education through hands-on teaching experiences.
The NYSSBA Champions of Change program recognizes school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services across New York for implementing creative initiatives that make a meaningful difference for students and school communities. Honorees are selected through committee observation and member input.
Through Baldwin’s Pre-Academy, middle school students gain firsthand exposure to what it means to be an educator. Participants learn how to create lesson plans, practice classroom teaching strategies and ultimately deliver instruction to Baldwin elementary school students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
District officials said the program is intended to help students begin exploring future career options while building confidence, leadership and communication skills at an early age.
“Earning our sixth Champions of Change Award is a proud milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to innovative, future-focused learning,” Superintendent Anthony Mignella said. “The recognition of Baldwin Middle School’s Pre-Academy Program underscores our district’s commitment to ensuring students are future-ready at every level of their educational journey.”
Mignella credited Erica Taylor, Gabriella Franza and Eric Rothbard for helping make the Education Pre-Academy successful, and said the district looks forward to continuing to expand future-driven educational opportunities for students.
The Pre-Academy also serves as a pipeline into Baldwin High School’s Education Academy, one of the district’s seven Academic Academies, where students can continue pursuing studies connected to careers in teaching and child development.
Baldwin has now been recognized by NYSSBA six times through the Champions of Change initiative. Previous award-winning district programs have included Baldwin High School@Shubert’s Future Jewelers Academy, the Baldwin Schools Wellness Center, Brookside Elementary School’s Shark Tank Project, the districtwide Hello Neighbor Project and Baldwin High School’s Education Academy.
NYSSBA Area 11 Director Charmise Desire presented the district with its latest Champions of Change banner during the Baldwin Board of Education’s April meeting.
