Last week, more than 220 St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Special Education staff came together from across the region for an inspiring professional learning session with keynote speaker Missy West, a National High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductee and former Duke University athlete turned motivational speaker.
Missy challenged educators to “Crush Their Inner Critic” by recognizing the incredible impact they make every day:
- They don’t just teach—they champion potential.
- They lean in with heart, patience, and purpose.
- They see strengths waiting to shine.
- They stand up for those who need it most.
The day included interactive discussions and a breakout session, “Beyond the Presentation: From Inspiration to Implementation,” where staff reflected on how to apply these empowering strategies in their work.
At St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, we believe professional learning is vital to supporting our educators and ensuring every student thrives.
