Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES is proud to shine a spotlight on Teacher Brett Janes, who has dedicated nearly 25 years to empowering students through the High School Equivalency (HSE) Preparation program.

With a passion for teaching and an unwavering commitment to his students, Brett has become a beloved figure in the community, helping countless individuals pass their General Educational Development Test (GED) and pursue their dreams.

“I have so much fun bragging on them. I don’t know if they’re always used to that sort of thing,” Janes said when asked how proud he is of his students. “I love when they stop by and show me their test results.”

Since joining Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES during the 1999-2000 school year, Janes has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. 

“In this program, every day is a new day. I have a group of kids that are all that and a bag of chips,” he said. “Every day is something different and interesting. This isn’t your standard classroom.”

Janes got his start teaching GED prep at a local jail before interviewing for a teaching job in the Summit Program (now called Compass). Although he wasn’t selected for that position, former District Superintendent Bill Speck called Janes and offered him a position teaching HSE prep. After nearly 25 years, it seems everything worked out perfectly.

When asked what advice he would give to new BOCES staff members, Janes said it is important to find a strong mentor.

“There’s always going to be someone who has already done what you’re trying to accomplish,” he said. “My daughter actually just took her first teaching job in Syracuse City Schools, and I love when she tells me all the exciting things her and her kids are doing.”

Janes also said the HSE program would not be possible without the support and commitment of his co-workers, including the efforts of Joyce Hall.

“Ms. Hall does a lot of things behind the scenes. It’s always when she’s out that I realize just how much she does for us,” he said.

Recently retired from the National Guard as a crew chief for a medivac unit, Janes said he has filled up some free time by becoming a security guard at the Syracuse Amphitheater and Oncenter War Memorial.

“It’s a lot of fun. I just saw Post Malone and a few weeks back saw Pit Bull,” he said with a smile.