What inspires someone to become an educator — and what keeps them in the profession?

Host: Kathleen Vail
Guest: Dr. Gladys Cruz, Questar III BOCES Superintendent

Dr. Cruz reflects on the educators who changed the course of her life and explains how those moments of encouragement ultimately led her from a planned career in dentistry into education. 

The discussion also explores how Questar III BOCES built strong teacher pathway programs long before teacher shortages became a national conversation. Dr. Cruz explains how Educators Rising became a natural extension of that work, helping students connect their passion for education with real-world pathways into the profession.

The episode takes an honest look at today’s educator workforce challenges, including nationwide shortages in special education, math, science, foreign languages, and multilingual learner instruction. Dr. Cruz also speaks candidly about the growing difficulty districts face in retaining talented educators amid budget pressures and increased competition between school systems.

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation focuses on retention through professional growth. Dr. Cruz shares how Questar III partnered with the University at Albany to create paid, stackable micro-credential programs for teaching assistants and career and technical education instructors. The initiative has strengthened instruction, increased staff confidence, and improved retention — while helping educators see new possibilities for their careers.

The conversation also highlights the expanding role of career and technical education in helping students discover meaningful futures. From aviation and welding to culinary arts and education pathways, Dr. Cruz argues that students need exposure to a wide range of opportunities — and that hearing directly from successful students is often the best recruitment tool of all.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Cruz offers a hopeful but practical perspective on leadership, mentorship, and the responsibility educators have to help students discover both their talents and their purpose. Dr. Cruz was honored by PDK/Educators Rising at the 2025 Educators Rising National Conference as an Educators Rising Champion.

In this episode:

• Why encouragement from teachers can change a student’s entire trajectory
• How Educators Rising aligned naturally with Questar III’s teacher pathway efforts
• The realities of teacher recruitment and retention nationwide
• How professional learning can serve as a powerful retention strategy
• Why CTE pathways are critical for student success and workforce development
• The importance of student ambassadors in promoting career pathways
• How mentorship and coaching help educators “pay it forward”

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