‘Be a Bengal, Be a Teacher’ brings more than 130 high school students to campus

On March 18, the annual “Be a Bengal, Be a Teacher” recruitment event welcomed 135 students from 10 different school districts to the Buffalo State University campus. The event, which began in 2023, serves as an introduction to Buffalo State for high school juniors and seniors considering teaching careers.

The visiting students began their day by exploring tables for different departments and majors, then observed a panel discussion featuring four current teacher candidates enrolled at Buffalo State and moderated by Endowed Chair Jevon Hunter. Afterward, the students dispersed to either take a campus tour or eat lunch in the dining hall. 

“These high school students represent the next generation of educators, and we were thrilled to see their enthusiasm,” said Kathy Doody, professor of exceptional education and one of the event’s coordinators. “This event helps students envision their path forward as future educators and shows them that Buffalo State is ready to support them every step of the way.”

The Teacher Education Council is largely responsible for planning and coordinating the event, but the event involves significant collaboration with all university education programs, as well as the Admissions Office.

“Days like today are a great reminder of what makes Buffalo State so special—when we work together as a team, we accomplish incredible things,” said Thomas Karanas, senior assistant director of admissions. “Collaborating across departments and leveraging each team’s strengths is truly inspiring and highlights the power of effective partnership.”

Photos by Hailee Cippollina (graduate assistant) and Buffalo State Marketing & Communications.