Commonwealth Grads Bring Passion and Purpose to New Story Schools

Commonwealth University students have passion and purpose, and they are bringing both to New Story schools to make a difference in the lives of students with special needs. 

“At New Story, we believe that every child and young adult is empowered to write new stories of success," explained University Partnership Program Manager Rob Hower. "With the guidance and support of our team, students grow, develop, and achieve their highest potential.”

While Hower has been visiting Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg for the last several years, he was happy to recently expand New Story's recruitment efforts to the Commonwealth campuses at Lock Haven and Mansfield through the Collaborating to Assist Teacher Candidate Hiring (CATCH) conference.

New Story schools focus on the K-12 environment and provide contracted alternative education for students with special needs, such as emotional and behavioral support. Hower says that a student's time with New Story varies according to the student and their needs. Some are with the school only briefly to focus on specific goals, while others complete their K-12 education and graduate from their home districts via New Story.  All New Story teachers are certified in special education for their appropriate grade level. And some have come from Commonwealth University through New Story's participation in recent Career Connection Expos and CATCH conferences.

"The New Story Schools and Commonwealth partnership allows students and recent graduates to build knowledge and real-world skills in their preferred profession,” explained Hower. “At the same time, New Story Schools benefits from the expertise, passion, and learning from Commonwealth students."

Hower says that most New Story hires are either education majors who discovered their passion for working with students with special needs through student teaching or those who majored in Sociology or Social Work and discovered teaching during a required observation or field study.

"We are interested in that student who wants to work with special education students," said Hower. "It's been incredible to engage with the students at the on-campus events we've attended. We are excited to bring Commonwealth students into our schools.”

Hower says that Commonwealth grads are often an excellent fit for New Story because of their level of preparedness and passion for the profession.

"Commonwealth students show up engaged, prepared, and curious,” Hower said. “The events we've attended have been extremely well organized and prepared, setting up relationship-building and learning between exhibitors and students for success. There is a sense of importance on the event that makes us feel these connections are important to the college, which is great."

New Story has schools throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, NJ, and NY, which make the organization an attractive employer for Commonwealth grads, whether they want to move away or stay close to home. Hower says there will be more opportunities for students at all three Commonwealth locations in the months and years ahead as the organization grows and seeks opportunities in central Pennsylvania and the northern tier.  

"Just like Commonwealth has campuses throughout the state, New Story Schools does too, allowing students to partner with the school closest to them," explained Hower. “Commonwealth University is among the state's best. They are curious and excited about starting their careers and learning more about their opportunities. The administrative team is proactive in helping connect employers with students in various ways that work for students and the company.”