Anthea Teska Named Principal of Special Education for Union Springs and Moravia
Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES has announced the appointment of Anthea Teska as Principal of Special Education, serving students and staff in the Union Springs and Moravia school districts. Teska brings a diverse professional background and a commitment to supporting both educators and students as she steps into the role.
Teska’s path to education began outside of the classroom, first working in natural resource conservation before pursuing a career change. “I started in natural resource conservation, and ended up going back to school,” she said. “My bachelor’s is in vocational technical education. I started out in environmental education in New York City, then moved back to Wayne County and had a substitution position through Monroe One BOCES. I loved it so much that I received my master’s through St. John Fisher University.”
She said her leadership philosophy centers on making the work of educators more manageable and effective. “Truly my leadership philosophy is that life should not be that hard,” Teska said. “My job is to make everything easier for teachers to do their jobs.”
As she begins her new position, Teska said her focus will be on learning and building a strong foundation. “My main goal is to watch and listen, and to figure out what ways that I can support the teachers, system and kids the best,” she said.
Teska said she is especially energized by the opportunities ahead. “The potential,” she said. “The potential to grow the teachers, grow the students, and grow the program.”
Throughout her career, Teska said it is the connections with students that have stayed with her most. She recalled a recent classroom visit that left a lasting impression. “There are a lot of moments I remember fondly,” she said. “I had a student the other day, when I visited the classroom, hand me a gift of origami they made. It is my very first gift as a principal.”
She also reflected on a meaningful memory from her internship. “At my internship at Seward Elementary in Auburn, my last name used to be Perry, and the kids got me a stuffed Perry the Platypus,” she said. “I thought it was the best thing ever. It’s a nice memory of that time.”
Outside of her work in education, Teska enjoys spending time outdoors. “I ride horseback, and I learned how to bird hunt with dogs,” she said. “Lots of outdoor adventures.”
As she settles into the role, Teska said she is looking forward to building relationships and supporting the continued success of students and staff across both districts.