OTA - Olean Teachers' Association

06/27/2026

Congratulations to the class of 2026! We are so proud of you!

06/16/2026

Congratulations on your upcoming retirment, Phil Vecchio, Social Studies Teacher!

How many years have you been a part of the Olean City School District?
-As a student, teacher and coach about 42 years

What is your fondest memory of being a teacher?
-Just the shared experiences that you have with so many students and faculty. All of the really good people that you have met throughout the years is something that you will continue to carry on with you.

What advice do you have for younger teachers/guidance counselors?
-Be where your feet are!! Get involved with the school in whatever function or capacity that you can, it will make your professional career that much more rewarding. Also, enjoy the ride because it goes fast.

Who would you like to thank?
-There are so many! I'll start with my history department colleagues, great teachers and people. Jeff Andreano has been a constant source of support and leadership. Also Steve Anastasia as Athletic Director has been instrumental in the success of Husky sports programs and has been a great friend and coach for most of the 30 years I was involved with the football program. All of the former and current football coaches that I've had the pleasure to coach with have been instrumental in the success of the football program.

What are your plans for retirement?
-Be more present at home, play some golf and be ready for the next opportunity that comes my way.

Anything else you'd like to share?
-I have been a part of the Olean schools for most of my life and it has shaped me into what I am today. It has been a pleasure to be part of this district and as always "It's a great day to be a Husky"!!

06/15/2026

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement, Tracey Spears, Reading Specialist/Coach!

How many years have you been a part of the Olean City School District?
-33 years; hired September 1993 as a substitute

What is your fondest memory of being a teacher?
-There are far too many to choose from. Seeing the smiles on my students' faces when they realize the growth they have made has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Watching a child learn to read is a true gift! Each child is so special, and I have been so lucky to work with all of them!

What advice do you have for younger teachers/guidance counselors?
-My advice is to always stay positive, consistent and most importantly, make connections with your students. Sometimes you are the only one they can count on every day. Make it count! They will work hard for you if they know you care.

Who would you like to thank?
-I would like to thank all of the wonderful teachers and staff that I have had the privilege of working with throughout the years. Their friendship, support, teamwork, and dedication have made my career so meaningful and rewarding. I have made wonderful friends and am grateful for all of the memories.

I would also like to thank the amazing and supportive parents I have had through the years. Working together as a team is what helped every child learn and grow. I truly appreciate the trust they put in me.

Lastly, I would like to thank my family for supporting me throughout the years. I know there were many times I brought work home with me, worked on the weekends, and stayed late at school, and I truly appreciated their patience, understanding and support through it all.

What are your plans for retirement?
-I plan to spend time spoiling my two beautiful granddaughters, Sienna and Eloise. I would like to travel with family and friends and spend a lot of time playing pickleball. I will also enjoy volunteering, reading and maybe some relaxing.

Anything else you'd like to share?
-Waking up every day and going to work at a job I love has been a true blessing. Being able to spend my career doing something meaningful and making a difference in the lives of children has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. I hope to continue to make a difference, just in a different way, as I begin this next chapter of my life.

06/09/2026

"The success of the assignment depended on my ability to navigate any staff and administrative misgivings, but more importantly, on the relationships I had built with my students—I felt I could trust them."

English Teacher Sally Ventura wrote a beautiful article reflecting on one of her assignments: Forbidden Places. This innovative assignment opened doors for students literally and figuratively!

Read it here:

A transformative lesson in taking up space.

05/30/2026

Please join us in congratulating Amanda Bess-Edwards and Katheryn Stuckey on their 20th year in the OCSD! Thank you for all you've done for our students!

05/19/2026

On Saturday, the Art Department hosted its annual District Art Show reception at the Olean Public Library. Over 200 students across the district are featured in this year's show. The Art Department would like to send a special thanks to Mr. Hughey, who played music during the reception. The show will be up through Thursday, May 28th.

Thank you to the Art Department for going above and beyond to celebrate our students!

05/12/2026

The OTA would like to recognize the following individuals for reaching the milestone of 35 years of service in the OCSD!

James Charles, 4th Grade
David Lasky, Math

05/11/2026

The OTA would like to recognize the following individuals for reaching the milestone of 25 years of service in the OCSD!

Erin Fidurko, Special Education
Emily Defazio, Speech
Shana Chudy, East View
Leah Allen, Counselor
Pamela Stephens, East View
Ann Sorokes, Reading
Raymond Valeri, Social Studies
Amy Bay, Special Education

05/10/2026

The OTA would like to recognize the following individuals for reaching the milestone of 20 years of service in the OCSD!

Christyne Gaylor, East View
Laura Hamed, 5th Grade
Christine Jakubczyk, Washington West
Jennifer Rodman, East View
Ryan Talbot, Social Studies
Marie Rakus, English
Ryan Nawrot, Health
Timothy Kolasinski, Physical Education
Leslie Morey-Nasuta, Physical Education
Kristine Ring, Physics
Matthew Perry, Social Studies

05/09/2026

The OTA would like to recognize Angie Marconi, Math, for reaching the milestone of 15 years of service in the OCSD!