Editor’s Note: The Meeting Street Schools’ Teaching Fellows program is accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. Learn more.
At the beginning of the school year, two of Kayla Neary’s second graders were behind. Months later when both met their growth goals, they celebrated with big smiles and hugs.
“It was such a special moment seeing their confidence grow and how proud they were of themselves,” Kayla said.
Moments like that are why Kayla loves teaching. Her favorite part of each day is working with students in small groups where she can focus on individual needs and see their progress.
“You work with one kid for so long and then finally you’re like, ‘Yes, you got it!” Kayla said. “It just makes my heart so happy and they get so excited, too.”
Kayla graduated with a degree in early childhood education at the State University of New York at Cortland in December 2024 and now teaches reading at Meeting Street Elementary – Burns. She always knew she wanted to be a teacher; the question was where she should go.
She chose Meeting Street Schools because of its Teaching Fellows program, which accepts top graduates of any major and trains them to be teachers. With Meeting Street Schools, Kayla said she knew she’d have the support to learn and grow, especially while working alongside another teacher.
“Having a co-teacher is a game changer,” Kayla said. “Everything you’re dealing with, you’re dealing with together and you can bounce ideas off each other. That really drew me to this program.”
Kayla’s co-teacher, Lindsey Ferreira, is in her fourth year of teaching and has been a mentor to Kayla. They build on each other’s strengths and divide responsibilities to ensure they are doing everything possible for students.
“We plan together, talk through what’s working and what’s not, and problem-solve as a team,” Lindsey said. “Students see collaboration modeled daily, and they benefit from having two adults who are invested in their learning and well-being.”
Lindsey said she’s seen incredible growth in Kayla as an educator.
“At the beginning of the year, (Kayla) was focused on getting her footing and now she’s much more comfortable adjusting plans on the fly and responding to students’ needs in real time,” Lindsey said. “It’s been great to see her find her voice as a teacher and step into her role with confidence.”
Another difference about the Meeting Street Schools model is the feedback and coaching, Kayla said. When she was a student teacher, classroom observations happened about twice a year; now, school leaders stop in her classroom every day. And rather than feeling as if she’s being criticized, Kayla said she feels encouraged and supported to become the best she can for students.
“You get so much feedback and you have to be able not to look at it as, ‘I’m doing something wrong,’” Kayla said. “Instead, it’s going to help me grow and become a better teacher.”
Jennamarie Lesky-Aull, assistant principal at Meeting Street Elementary – Burns, said she’s seen Kayla use coaching as an opportunity to get better. When Jennamarie provides feedback, Kayla quickly and thoughtfully applies it to her teaching, she said.
“Kayla has shown tremendous growth in her learning and confidence,” Jennamarie said. “Her willingness to take initiative and accountability has made a noticeable impact on her academic development this year.”
