April 6 panel will explore opportunities for teacher leadership

The SUNY New Paltz School of Education invites teachers, students, and everyone with an interest in education to an April 6 discussion and networking event on “Pathways to Teacher Leadership.”

This unique panel presentation will bring together representatives of three distinct organizations (the New York State Master Teacher Program, the Hudson Valley Writing Project and the new Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award program), all dedicated to creating leadership and professional development opportunities for current and future educators.

Opening remarks will be given by Annette Romano, who as director of the National Board Council of New York heads an organization whose mission is to encourage educators to become leaders in their workplaces and communities.

Jere Hochman, Governor Cuomo’s Deputy Secretary for Education, will be on hand as well to lend his expertise to the discussion.

“SUNY New Paltz serves as a hub for many programs supporting teachers in the Hudson Valley and throughout New York State, but we find that these different groups don’t often come together to collaborate and discuss their work,” said Michael Rosenberg, dean of the School of Education. “Our goal with this summit is to showcase all the different ways that teachers can partner with New Paltz to assume leadership roles, enhance their pedagogical skills and advance their careers.”

The “Pathways to Teacher Leadership” panel will double as an opportunity for teachers to learn of new opportunities in their fields, such as the Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award. Announced by Governor Cuomo in 2016, this new program recognizes outstanding educators with stipends to support their professional development interests.

Similarly, the New York State Master Teacher Program has created a community of experts in teaching STEM subjects, who gather regularly to share best practices and learn new skills.

As the Mid-Hudson Master Teacher home base, SUNY New Paltz has helped dozens of regional teachers enter the program and participate in workshops, conferences and other meetings with their peers in education.

All are invited to attend the “Pathways to Teacher Leadership” summit and learn more about these opportunities. The event will take place on Thursday, April 6, from 5 – 7 p.m. in Lecture Center room 100 on the New Paltz campus.

More information about the School of Education is available online.