For Keuka College education majors, the path from coursework to a classroom of their own is rewarding; but it is not without costs. From certification exams and licensure fees to transportation and professional attire, student-teaching often triggers financial challenges at the very moment students are advised not to work so they can focus fully on their placements.
A new scholarship established by former Keuka College Board Chair and alumna Dr. Crystal Gips ’65 is designed to ease that burden and help future educators enter the profession with confidence.
The Crystal Gips Next Generation Educator Scholarship, established with assistance from College Vice President for Advancement Rich Basler, provides up to $750 per student to support education majors during student-teaching, licensure preparation, and the transition into their first teaching roles.
“I thought it was something that could really serve as a bridge over an obstacle that might have deterred students’ professional development,” said Dr. Gips, a lifelong educator and education advocate, and recipient of a 2025 Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Keuka College.
Overcoming obstacles
Those obstacles can be considerable, noted Division Chair and Professor of Education Dr. Klaudia Lorinczova.
“To become a teacher in New York state is not cheap,” she said. “You get a degree, and you’re done with the college responsibilities. But then there’s the licensure process with the New York State Department of Education. That costs money. You have to pass certification exams. That costs money.”
That reality resonates with recent graduate Jessica Avery ’25, an Early Childhood and Special Education major from Victor, New York, who had to put her certification exams on hold due to unexpected expenses. She noted that while education students may anticipate some expenses, the cumulative impact can still be daunting.
“Student-teachers are responsible for transportation, professional clothing, certification exams, and often classroom materials, all on top of everyday living expenses,” Jessica said. “So I was thrilled by the generous opportunity that Dr. Gips gave us.”
The scholarship was piloted during the fall 2025 semester, and the response was telling.
“Joy filled the online seminar when the scholarship was announced,” recalled Dr. Lorinczova.
Every student in the cohort applied. As Dr. Lorinczova reviewed the applications, she was struck not only by financial need, but by the students’ commitment to their future classrooms.
“More than half of them talked about wanting to use the money for their students, for classroom resources. That really shows the heart of who they are as future teachers.”
“Student-teachers are responsible for transportation, professional clothing, certification exams, and often classroom materials, all on top of everyday living expenses,” Jessica said. “So I was thrilled by the generous opportunity that Dr. Gips gave us.”
Jessica Avery '25 said she'll put the scholarship toward certification exams and classroom supplies. "There are many things that teachers pay for out of pocket that many people outside the field are not aware of," she said.
The scholarship was piloted during the fall 2025 semester, and the response was telling.
“Joy filled the online seminar when the scholarship was announced,” recalled Dr. Lorinczova.
Every student in the cohort applied. As Dr. Lorinczova reviewed the applications, she was struck not only by financial need, but by the students’ commitment to their future classrooms.
“More than half of them talked about wanting to use the money for their students, for classroom resources,” she said. “That really shows the heart of who they are as future teachers.”
Instilling confidence
That commitment reflects the values that inspired Dr. Gips to establish the scholarship. During her own student-teaching experience as a Keuka College senior, she was able to live in Cazenovia with a local resident who provided a room and meals for $10 a week – an opportunity she recognizes is far less accessible today.
“I was unbelievably fortunate,” she said. “Any student today who wants to go away for student-teaching, build a professional wardrobe, or try something innovative in their classroom needs far more resources than I ever did. Without that support, their experience can be very limited.”
Dr. Gips sees the scholarship as an investment that allows students to focus on growth rather than expenses.
“Anything that gives students confidence,” she said, “whether it’s being professionally dressed, having materials for a great lesson, or simply not worrying about gas money – is worth paying for.”
Jamie Tilbe '25 said she has big plans for the scholarship: "Paying for my last certification exams, my initial certification, some new professional attire, and some materials for my first classroom." She began her new role as a preschool special education teacher in December.
Confidence and a sense of relief are what the scholarship meant to Jamie Tilbe ’25, a Keuka College graduate who completed her degree in Unified Childhood/Special Education in December and now teaches preschool special education in Watertown, New York.
“It allows education majors to focus on student-teaching without a great deal of financial stress,” Jamie said. “This scholarship can truly make a difference for so many people entering the field.”
Jessica agreed, noting that the support extends beyond individual recipients.
“By supporting us as future educators,” she said, “Dr. Gips is supporting our future students and the quality of education they will receive.”
