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VESID helps science buff become science teacher Ossining teacher learns from kids 'every day'
Oct. 20, 2005 Richard Sicignano meets with his earth science students at Ossining High School in Westchester County. Richard Sicignano always had a keen interest in science and the environment, but it took a life-threatening accident to put him in front of a classroom. Sicignano was a part-time caretaker and health club manager when a diving accident eight years ago crushed his spine, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Doctors had to fuse part of his spine. After the accident, Sicignano spent three months in rehabilitation, followed by years of outpatient physical and occupational therapy. He had to relearn or get help for "all sorts of things people take for granted, like tying my shoes, putting on my socks or opening a can of soda." Sicignano resumed some duties at the health club. At first, he turned to the State Education Department's Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities for assistance to modify his van with a wheelchair lift, a special seat and hand controls. But Sicignano wanted more. "I just always loved working with kids, helping people out and educating," he said. "When kids 'get it' and that light bulb turns on, that 'aha!' moment is something exciting." Once again, Sicignano turned to VESID — this time to pursue a master's degree to become a teacher. He had already earned a Bachelor of Science degree in water resources at the State University of New York at Oneonta, and worked as a geologist and at a Colorado environmental consulting firm. VESID provided tuition assistance and money for textbooks at Pace University . "VESID helps all people with disabilities to get back into the mainstream lifestyle," he said. "Whether you need financial help or career training, they just do what they can to get people back to living as normal a lifestyle as possible despite disabilities." New York State United Teachers and VESID have been in partnership for more than a decade, encouraging people with disabilities to consider education as a career. "Many creative and inspiring teachers like Richard Sicignano have found their way to classrooms through the assistance of VESID, and that's why we support the partnership of NYSUT and this state agency," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. Hired immediately after graduation, Sicignano is in his third year of teaching at Ossining High in Westchester County . He brings his real-world experiences to the classroom and uses computer technology and real-time data to help his Regents earth science students grasp the material. "I try to help my students understand how the earth works, how humans have affected the earth and the environment and the impacts we've made," said Sicignano, a member of the Ossining Teachers Association. "I'm still learning from the kids every day," he said. For more about VESID services, visit www.vesid.nysed.gov; write State Education Department, VESID, One Commerce Plaza, Albany, N.Y. 12234; or call (800) 222-JOBS. — Clarisse Butler Banks |
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