JoAnn Tarolli, Alternative 8:1:1 Special Education Teacher, began her career at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES straight out of college in 2002. After working eight summers with the Syracuse City School District’s summer program, Tarolli was drawn to the unique, nontraditional environment at BOCES. She found it to be a setting that nurtures confidence and security.

"The kids can really come here and be themselves and they feel safe. That helps them take risks and improve," Tarolli said.

Tarolli's day-to-day involves lesson planning, behavior management, and incorporating values from initiatives like the Positivity Project. Her classroom emphasizes growth, support, and belonging.

Tarolli mentioned the many activities that build community within Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES. From carnivals and award ceremonies to Student of the Month shoutouts, it’s all about creating a positive culture.

"It really creates that family and belonging," she said.

The most powerful memories come from watching students succeed, especially those who many have doubted. For Tarolli, seeing these students graduate and go on to live independent lives is what makes her work so meaningful.

"It really is huge. We've had a lot of students stick it out in this particular program and go on to do great things," she said.

When she’s not teaching, Tarolli is all about family. She’s a proud mom of two children who are active in theater, music, and soccer, which means she wears another hat: “I’m basically mom taxi.”