From Teacher Aides to TAs: 12 step into new roles across SWBOCES

Finding their passion and a great workplace, 12 educators also found a path to advancement

Since the start of the 2024-25 school year, a dozen Teacher Aides across multiple Southern Westchester BOCES programs have moved up to the key classroom role of Teaching Assistant.

It’s a role that reflects their professional growth and their unwavering commitment to students with special needs.

The majority of these individuals have worked for SWBOCES’ Center for Special Services for only a few years. They came to education from various career paths, attracted by the opportunity to make a difference for children with disabilities.

Both Teacher Aides and Teaching Assistants are essential roles requiring strong skill sets and a wellspring of patience and compassion. It is not surprising then that such talented individuals would look to advance professionally.

“We appreciate that they all took the steps to further their careers and chose to continue to bring their knowledge, experience, and dedication to students and to our school communities,” Director of Special Services Jessica Walker said. “They continue to be instrumental to student success in their new roles.”

Becoming a Level I Teaching Assistant in New York State requires a high school diploma and passage of a New York State certification exam known as the Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills. Candidates must also complete a series of workshops, including Child Abuse Identification, School Violence Prevention and Intervention, and Dignity for All Students.. There are four levels of TA certification, with higher levels requiring college-level coursework.

Mauricio Ruiz wants to become a teacher eventually, so advancing from aide to TA seemed like a smart step to take. Mr. Ruiz was hired late last school year and became a TA in the fall.

Nicole Robinson moved up just as quickly, being hired at Valhalla Center in November 2024 as an aide and just recently becoming a TA. The musician and former collegiate basketball referee said the move came with an added responsibility and respect.

At five years, Marie Ceneus was one of the more veteran aides to make the transition. She had passed the certification exam years before. Principal Julia Dolan encouraged her to pursue a TA position. Ms. Ceneus likes that she still works closely with students in her new role.

“I enjoy working here,” Marie said outside her classroom at the Decagon building on the Rye Lake Lower Campus. “I wanted to take the next step because I wanted to be more useful.”

Tappan Hill School boasts six aides-turned-TAs. They joke among themselves about who started the trend. One of them, Patricia Villar was an aide there for two years before becoming a TA in September.

“I enjoy working here,” said Ms. Villar, who worked directly with one child as an aide. “I realized I had the opportunity to work with all of the students.”

Eric Ford, another Tappan Hill TA, joined in September and earned his certification by February. “I love seeing the students grow,” he said simply. “It’s why I’m here.”

SWBOCES Teacher Aides who became Teaching Assistants in 2024-25:

Irvington High School
Leshawn Bird

St. Matthew’s School
Mauricio Ruiz

Rye Lake Lower Campus
Steve Aly, Marie Ceneus

Rye Lake MS/HS
Benjamin Glucksman

Tappan Hill School
Patricia Villar, Sandra Villalobos, Erika Vivar, Eric Ford, Maselie Marcelin-Turenne, Argelia Piliego-Torres

Valhalla Center
Nicole Robinson