Mitchell Paterniti, Falconer High School and College Connections biology instructor, was awarded the Teacher-of-the-Year award at the program’s annual fall training at JCC.

Paterniti offers four JCC biology courses to his Falconer students and was nominated by his JCC faculty liaison, Jan Bowman.

“Mitch’s strength as a teacher largely sits with his enthusiasm, which is definitely contagious, and his love of sharing his awe of the natural world,” explained Ms. Bowman.

“There is a long history between Falconer High School and JCC relative to the teaching of courses that focus on the principles of biology as well as the study of insects, birds, and mammals,” she added. “We are fortunate to have a long-standing relationship with Mitch as the instructor of those courses, and students coming from Falconer who have taken his courses are enthusiastic and well-prepared.”

Paterniti was chosen from among 135 program teachers from 40 partner high schools and BOCES centers. The relationship between JCC and its partner high school and BOCES teachers is critical to the program’s success.

“We partner with experienced, highly qualified teachers dedicated to creating a college environment in the high school setting,” explained Marilyn Zagora, JCC’s vice president and dean of academic affairs. “We rely on teachers like Mitch to provide students with an authentic college experience – one that meets the rigors of a college classroom.”

College Connections, now in its 11th year, offers 58 different college courses in 26 disciplines to students across its service area. Many schools offer a full array of courses allowing students to graduate from high school with up to one year of college completed.

The program presents tremendous financial savings and enhanced educational opportunities, maintains JCC assistant dean Roz Newton.

“Students are able to earn free college credits while enhancing their high school experience,” Ms. Newton said. “Completing general education courses in high school affords students greater flexibility once they reach the college campus. They may choose to experiment with other courses of interest, complete study abroad or internship programs, pick up a second major, or graduate early. College Connections provides tangible benefits.”

For more information about College Connections, contact program coordinator Maria Kindberg, 716.338.1143.