Title: Business Teacher, Core Team Leader for Business Education Programs for Broome-Tioga County Boces Alternative Sites

Company: Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services

Location: Binghamton, N.Y.

Wielding 36 years of experience in vocational education, Suzanne Gorman Messina continues in her 13th year as business teacher and core team leader for business education programs for Broome-Tioga County Boces Alternative. Throughout her work-week, she teaches employability and professional skills to ninth- and 10th –grade students to help them write resumes, amongst other important real-world educational traits. Ms. Gorman Messina also attends interviews researches companies, performs other job-search related functions, and oversees the career cluster program, financial management, career skills, and job preparation and procedures.

Ms. Gorman Messina attributes her success to the support she receives from her parents and in particular, to the inspiration she receives from her mother, a lifelong politician. She became involved in her profession through her love for working with students and desire to help others. Ms. Gorman Messina received a Master of Education in counselor education from The Citadel School of Education and has obtained Certification in Business Education.

Ms. Gorman Messina also serves on safety, attendance and professional development committees. She has been active in the Democratic Party for more than 20 years and is very involved within her community. She is a former Broome County legislator. In five years, Ms. Gorman Messina hopes to experience continued growth within the employability program and remain active with the local government.