History professor Justin Behrend at previous Teachers’ Day event (photo provided)
SUNY Geneseo has recently expanded professional development opportunities for local K–12 teachers. The annual Teachers’ Day events have drawn participants from Albany to Buffalo for faculty-led workshops on both content and pedagogy, both what to teach and how to teach it.
“The history department has been doing this for more than 10 years now,” says Kathleen Mapes, professor and chair in history. “It’s an opportunity for us to make connections with local teachers.” Geneseo history professors present reviews of scholarly trends in US and global history.
The physics, English, and math departments also offer annual Teachers’ Days, and this year’s roster includes newly added workshops in world languages and literacy.
“The Teachers’ Day is a great chance to exchange ideas and network,” says Savi Iyer, professor and chair in physics and astronomy. “Many of our alums come back as teachers.”
Fully half of the 80 attendees at last year’s English Teachers’ Day were alums, confirmed Alice Rutkowski, professor and chair in English and creative writing. This year’s workshops in English will cover subjects such as writing creative nonfiction and teaching poetry.
Feedback for Geneseo’s previous Teachers’ Days has praised the new material for their classrooms, the collaboration with other professionals, and the opportunity to think more deeply about their chosen subjects.
SUNY Geneseo is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s Office of Teaching Initiatives as an approved sponsor of CTLE for Professional Classroom Teachers, School Leaders and Level III Teaching Assistants.