TSTT Connects with the Community at Ossining’s Back-to-School Summer Festival

Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT) was pleased to participate in **The Ossining Collective’s 2nd Annual Back-to-School Summer Festival on August 15**—a wonderful day of celebration, connection, and community resources!

TSTT joined many community organizations and partners, including the **Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators (WABSE)**, in sharing valuable information and opportunities with students and families. Dr. Bettye Perkins, Founder and CEO of TSTT is the Chair, WABSE Higher Education Commission.

At the TSTT table, families learned more about our nationally recognized **“grow-your-own” teacher pipeline** and our mission to recruit, mentor, and prepare culturally diverse and economically challenged students to become caring, competent, and committed teachers and leaders. We also added to the festivities with **fun games, giveaways, and plenty of conversation!**

Thank you to **The Ossining Collective**, its generous donors, sponsors, partners, and community supporters for bringing together so many organizations and providing this free and engaging event for the Ossining community.

**TSTT is proud to be part of building stronger connections, expanding opportunities for students, and strengthening classrooms and communities!**

Photos From The Event

Careers in Education Conference (CEC) 2026

Inspiring the Next Generation of Educators

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Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT), a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the educator pipeline, successfully hosted its annual Careers in Education Conference (CEC) on January 8, 2026, at Manhattanville University.

The conference welcomed more than 150 participants, including high school juniors and seniors, college students, teachers, administrators, and education professionals, all committed to exploring pathways into the teaching profession.

Conference Highlights

College Fair: Expanding Access & Opportunity

Students connected directly with college and university representatives to learn about admissions, teacher preparation programs, and financial aid. Participating institutions included:

  • UCONN
  • Mount Saint Mary College
  • St. Thomas Aquinas College
  • Manhattanville University
  • Sacred Heart University
  • Fordham University
  • Mercy University
  • Seton Hall University
  • South Carolina State University (TSTT’s first HBCU partner)
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Engaging Workshops & Interactive Learning

Participants attended dynamic workshops focused on both inspiration and practical preparation, including:

  • Building confidence and identity as future educators
  • Teacher certification pathways
  • AI in Education, featuring Pepper the Robot
  • Job readiness and professional skills

Teacher mentors shared real-world classroom experiences and strategies for long-term professional growth.

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Mock Interviews: Preparing Career-Ready Educators

College seniors in the TSTT program took part in filmed Mock Interviews with distinguished education leaders, receiving personalized feedback to help them successfully transition into the workforce. Interviewers included:

  • Emerly Martinez, Principal, White Plains High School and TSTT’s first program graduate
  • Traci Jackson, Executive Director of Human Resources, New Rochelle Public Schools
  • Dr. Michelle Prettyman, Fordham University
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Careers in Education Panel

The day concluded with a powerful panel discussion featuring education professionals who shared their career journeys, leadership lessons, and encouragement for students to pursue impactful roles in education.

A Message from TSTT Leadership

“Events like this strengthen the educator pipeline and inspire future leaders,”

— Dr. Bettye Perkins, President & CEO, TSTT

A Message from TSTT Leadership

TSTT extends sincere appreciation to Manhattanville University, participating colleges and universities, facilitators, and partner school districts for their continued collaboration and support in developing future educators.

Photos From The Event