Please meet Ashley Curtis, one of our newest social studies teachers in the Compass program. Ms. Curtis is one of three social studies educators within the program and has quickly become an integral part of our team.

Ms. Curtis is a graduate of SUNY Cortland. She initially pursued a master’s degree in counseling but after a year, she realized her true passion was teaching. She returned to SUNY Cortland to complete her master’s degree in education, which she obtained in 2021.

Before joining Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, Ms. Curtis worked as a long-term substitute teacher in the Central Square School District. There, she managed large class sizes totaling more than 140 students. The transition to the Compass Program, where she now teaches just 40 students, has been a significant and welcome change.

"To be here and only have forty students is an incredible gift," Curtis said. "I feel like I got to know these kids superfast."

One of the aspects Ms. Curtis appreciates most about the smaller class sizes, is the ability it allows her to develop individualized learning plans for students. 

"Not being bogged down by grading gives me the ability to make individual plans, which is my favorite part," Curtis said.

Curtis acknowledges the unique challenges of the Compass Program, particularly the dynamic nature of working with teenagers.

"They come in every day with different situations, which affects the dynamic of the whole room. One size fits most is not true here," Curtis said. 

She also emphasizes the supportive team environment at Compass. 

"The teachers here are the most honest and compassionate I have ever worked with. It is very much a team. There is always someone to talk to, and we all know the same students, so we can discuss them and support each other. I feel very comfortable here," Curtis said.