Caston Binger is a teacher with decades of valuable experience. He has been an elementary classroom teacher for the Rochester City School District and currently works as a Teacher on Special Assignment for the elementary school.
Passionate about supporting all students in the school, Caston is excited that this new role as Teacher on Special Assignment allows him the opportunity to show that support throughout the entire school. Being a Teacher on Special Assignment involves working collaboratively with the school principal and helping his colleagues foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning community that contributes to the academic achievement of each student.
It is of the utmost importance to Caston that every student has any and all resources they each may need. He knows that doing so will have a profound impact on student development, resilience, and, ultimately, their future success. Caston’s goal is to provide leadership that will foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning community that contributes to the academic achievement for all students.
In his previous role as a Response To Intervention (RTI) Teacher, Caston would identify struggling students early on and give them the support needed to thrive in school. He would closely monitor their progress and patiently assign customized plans to ensure their success throughout the school year. His experience in this role greatly contributed to the superlative qualities needed to be an excellent Teacher on Special Assignment.
Caston attended State University of New York College at Cortland where he received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Teaching. He then went on to Niagara University where he obtained his Master of Science in both School Administration and Supervision, and then later in Educational Leadership.
Bringing is qualities as a detail oriented person with a great eye for design, Caston also has a business doing home renovations outside of his work as a Teacher. Caston and his renovation team help clients realize their wish of having their dream home. Each project they work on is completely customized to meet the needs of their client. He takes budget and lifestyle into account with each beautiful, high-quality design.
Whether Caston Binger is giving someone the home design of their fantasies or setting up children for a life filled with success, he puts his heart and soul into everything he does. He is thoughtful about the futures he is affecting and always brings a positive attitude to his community.
How did you get started in your industry?
One of my first jobs in high school was working at a local YMCA as a youth counselor. My primary responsibility at that time was to help young students with their school assignments and their homework. That experience served as an early introduction to teaching. Helping students with their projects and classwork gave me an opportunity to develop a passion for working with students.
What makes you successful?
I believe that good leaders are constant and consistent learns. Therefore, I’m always reading to make sure that I’m continuously staying informed on new strategies and practices in education. I also attend workshops, seminars, and professional development training whenever opportunities are available. This approach has allowed me to have some success and stay well informed in the field of education.
What has been your most satisfying accomplishment in your professional life?
I’ve been so fortunate to have both large and small accomplishments in my professional career. I would say my most recent accomplishment would be earning my second Master’s degree from Niagara University. I received that degree in School Leadership.
What has been the toughest challenge you have faced in your career?
One of the biggest challenges that I have recently faced in my career was figuring out ways to make learning effective during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The pandemic posed a challenge for everyone, regardless of the industry you are in. In the initial phases of the lockdown, students and teachers had to work 100% remotely. This experience was new for everyone. There were no “How-To” books or guidance on how to navigate the crisis we all faced. In a short amount of time, we had to come up with an actionable plan and strategies to ensure that students continued to receive impactful teaching instruction. This required a lot of time, energy, resources and collaboration. That experience was a tough task to address and it required constant modifications and adjustments. It was a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
In the beginning years of my career in teaching, I never doubted that I was doing exactly what I wanted to be doing. However, I did face challenges. Working in the educational system can be difficult at times. I dealt with these challenges by always reminding myself of the good I was accomplishing. Focusing on the positive outcomes of my efforts helped to center me, and helped me find my motivation to always endure through the tough times in order to continue to experience all of the many amazing moments that occur when you are a teacher.
What does the future hold for your career? What are you most excited about?
I am one to always seek growth and improvement. I am excited to be a part of moving the school’s success forward and having a positive impact on the students’ lives. With my other business, the home renovations, I am also excited to continue growing and expanding in the services we offer. I enjoy seeing a homeowner’s vision come to fruition and watching their faces light up when they see the final result.
What business books have inspired you?
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell is an excellent book. He poses that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from. Things like one’s culture and upbringing have a huge impact on who they become. As an educator, it helps me to keep things in the proper perspective and to be mindful of the role I play on these young and impressionable minds.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Filter out the noise and find your voice. Once you have found it, speak up when it comes to making a change for the better.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Absolutely, you can visit my website www.castonbingerrochester.com.