Joseph Slichko wants to highlight the work of both students and staff at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Center.

He started work on Nov. 18 as the center’s new principal.

For the five years prior, he worked for the Albany City School District where he was Abrookin Career and Technical Center principal and Career and Technical Education administrator.

At his new job, Slichko is overseeing one of two CTE campuses operated by the Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services. The Albany campus has 25 programs for high school students, several more for adult students, and educates about 1,100 of the approximately 1,400 Capital Region BOCES CTE students enrolled for the current school year.

“My goal is to continue to promote the CTE branch of education and highlight not only the capable work of our students, but the accomplishments of our faculty and staff,” Slichko said in a statement. “Many of them didn’t follow the traditional path [to becoming a teacher] but excel in engaging and educating their students.

“Real learning happens at CTE. It’s authentic, work-based, industry-based teaching and learning,” he said. “It prepares students for the next level by people who are doing the next level.

“CTE is beyond needed. To be able to try a career, learn job skills under the supervision of people who have done those jobs or are doing those jobs and to see if it’s the right fit is critically needed by our students,” he said. 

Slichko started his career at the La Salle Institute in Troy as a math teacher, eventually becoming assistant principal there. He also held administrative positions at the former St. Augustine's School in Troy, at Holy Spirit School in East Greenbush, and in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District before joining the Albany City School District.

“Dr. Slichko brings extensive experience and is known for his ability to address challenges with determination,” said Capital Region BOCES Director of CTE Jeff Palmer in a statement. “He is deeply committed to student success, equity and fostering strong relationships within the community.

“We look forward to the positive impact Dr. Slichko will have as we continue our mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our students.”

— Melissa Hale-Spencer