On a day when students were scheduled to go home early, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk teachers and staff stayed through the afternoon to continue their personal learning during a professional development session. The session was broken down into mini seminars all focused around the theme of empathy. Teachers and staff chose from a list of offerings that touched on culturally responsive teaching, issues around trauma and mental health, and using tech to support personalized learning.
Presenters from in- and outside the district worked with teachers and staff to expand their understanding on a variety of topics including, drugs and social media awareness, mindfulness in education, trauma sensitivity, and yoga. Each subject matter allowed its participants to explore student learning beyond classroom.
A special thanks to the presenters:
Ellen Dragonette, Instructor, Yana Yoga
- Bethany Gonyea, Albany Peace Project
- Leah Johnson, Instructor, Radiance Hot Yoga
- Amber LaPointe, Owner, Yana Yoga
- Dr. Tammy Robinson, Director, Skribblers Magazine; Instructional Support
- Specialist, University at Albany
- Investigator Thomas Praisner, Office of Professional Standards Unit Albany County Sheriffs
- Dr. Brian Bailey, Superintendent, RCS
- Cara Buckley, Instructional Technologist, RCS
- Renee DiStefano, Computer Teaching Assistant, RCS
- Debra Neubart, Principal, A.W. Becker Elementary School
- Dr. Lisa Patierne, Principal, RCS High School
- Lori Rohan, Teacher, RCS Middle School
- Joe Slichko, Asst. Principal, RCS High School