OLEAN, N.Y. — Jolene Ayres from Allegany-Limestone Central School has been awarded the 2025 College Connections Teacher of the Year by SUNY Jamestown Community College. Ayres taught several courses across the English, communications, and leadership disciplines this school year through the College Connections concurrent enrollment program.

College Connections annually recognizes a teacher who best exemplifies the core program standards. Ayres was selected from a group of more than 200 teachers from 38 partner high schools and BOCES centers who taught College Connections classes during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Ayres was nominated for the award by Joe Steger, Allegany-Limestone Middle/High School principal.

“Dr. Ayres is a compassionate and dedicated educator,” Steger said. “She is always looking for ways to make her classroom as innovative as possible and that exemplifies great teaching. Her student-first approach and willingness to help in any way is what sets her apart.”

“Jolene strives to give her students opportunities for advanced coursework while still in high school,” said Jade Barber, JCC’s director of High School Partnerships. “It’s evident from talking to her students that they really enjoy being in her classes. She has mentored new College Connections instructors and is a great team player.”

Ayres began teaching in New York in the fall of 1999 and has been at Allegany-Limestone since 2022. A long-time instructor in the program, she has taught College Connections courses since 2001.

“Jolene is a dedicated and inspiring public speaking instructor whose passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom,” said Simone Sellstrom, JCC assistant professor and chair of Communications, Media Arts, Theater, and English Literature. “She continues to foster a dynamic and engaging learning environment through creative projects and activities that empower students to find their voices. A true collaborator, she has stepped into a mentorship role, offering guidance and support to both colleagues and students alike. Her commitment to excellence and willingness to go the extra mile have strengthen JCC’s course offerings and have enriched the learning experiences of countless students.”

Ayres recently completed a doctorate degree in leadership and innovation, as she aspires to work with future teachers to help further their knowledge of teaching, learning, and curriculum development.

“What I have enjoyed about teaching with College Connections is the professionalism and support from the college community,” Ayres said. “It has allowed me to grow and develop as a teacher. I have been able to support students as they are transitioning from the regents writing style to collegiate writing. My students have gone on to do great things in academia and that is because of their solid start provided by the College Connections program.”

JCC has offered concurrent enrollment courses to qualified high school students through the College Connections program since 1998. The courses, taught in partner high schools by JCC-approved teachers, allow students to earn both high school and college credit. During the 2024-25 academic year College Connections offered 85 credit courses in 38 area high schools, serving more than 2,300 students across the region.