Melissa Fox is Questar III’s Special Education Coordinator and is shared between the Special Education and Career and Technical Education departments. Learn about her role and her background in this short Q&A.
What is your role here at Questar III (job title, responsibilities, etc.) and when did you start?
I started on July 13th as the Special Education Coordinator and feel fortunate to be shared between CTE and Special Education Departments. I am responsible for supporting the expansion of the ALP program at Columbia-Greene Educational Center as well as overseeing consultant special education teachers. I am assuring compliance with our student’s IEP’s at CTE as well as assisting with embedded professional development. Eventually, I will participate in the Special Education Student Intake Committee.
What is your background like (education, previous jobs, etc.)?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and started as a job coach working with students and adults who had barriers to employment at an alternative program. After a few years, I realized I enjoyed teaching and went back to school for my special education certificate. I was a special education teacher at Columbia High School for 10 years and then developed their alternative learning program for special education students called Operation Graduation for seven years. The past three years I was employed as a Special Education Principal with Capital Region BOCES leading one of their centers and district programs.
What made you want to pursue a career in education?
I grew up around teachers! My mom was a special education teacher and my stepfather was a professor at the local community college. I was amazed at how hard my mother worked and saw how rewarding the teaching profession was. She inspired me to want to make difference in the lives of children.
How do you see your role supporting the BOCES and its districts/students?
I see my role as supporting both the special education department and CTE Department by bringing my knowledge and experience with special education students and alternative education students. I am supporting our principals, teachers, and students with best practices for our students.
What do you like most about your job?
I love working with the people here at Questar III. Each day I am inspired by their dedication to student’s education and their innovative ways they are meeting kid’s needs. I feel supported in the goals and initiatives set forth by leadership.
Tell us a bit about your life outside Questar III.
I am married and have a 15-year-old daughter who attends Columbia High School in East Greenbush and is active in soccer and track. I enjoy playing with my dogs and recently adopted a kitten!
BONUS QUESTION: What is your favorite summertime memory and why?
Last year my family and I went to Ocean City, Maryland and had a blast swimming in the ocean and enjoying the sun! It was a special time because we were able to relax and unplug.