Educators Explore Reading, Empathy, Tech Tools At Learning Day

CROSS RIVER, NY — John Jay High School turned into a conference center on a recent weekday. Instead of teens milling in and out of the classrooms, Katonah-Lewisboro’s teachers and administrators filled them for day of professional learning.

In sessions led by in-house experts, as well as a few thought leaders from elsewhere, educators honed their skills in teaching core content areas and expanded their knowledge in the district’s priorities of sustainability, social-emotional learning and a purposeful use of technology.

“We developed the day of professional learning to provide our faculty with many different options to support their learning around the district’s goals,” said Mary Ford, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “It provides an opportunity for educators to engage in discourse with colleagues and make choices that meet our needs.”

The day began with a choice of four keynote presentations, including one with Sherie McClam, PhD, program director of Manhattanville College’s Education for Sustainability certificate program. She offered a framework for teachers to integrate principles of sustainability into curriculum, regardless of the specific subject they teach.

Later that morning, educators could choose from approximately 20 options, including Boston-based Allison Posey’s visit via webcam — an introductory workshop on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework that is focused on designing learning environments that support all learners. The next session offered an additional two dozen choices including conversations on small group reading instruction, cultivating empathy in the ELA classroom and using tech tools like Pear Deck which provides an interactive experience for students.

Superintendent Andrew Selesnick said it was important for teachers and administrators to have opportunities like professional learning days to engage with one another and with thinkers from outside KLSD.

“I’m always so impressed by the thoughtfulness and enthusiasm everyone brings to these days,” he said.

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