The Center for Teaching (CFT) has begun its work for 2009-2010. This year we are hosting two Dobbs Foundation Cohorts: (1) Inquiry-Based Teaching; and (2) Tools for the 21st Century Classroom. In addition, we are hosting a faculty cohort sponsored by the Rockdale Foundation on Writing and Learning.

We have also started our 2009-2010 Faculty Cohort Program with Drew and Westminster Faculty. Our first planning meeting was held last week and all ten faculty shared their object or picture that described where they find themselves as this point in their teaching career. We have one member who is in her second year of teaching and one who has been teaching for forty years. The group has read Why Gender Matters, by Leonard Sax.

We are also hosting the second year of the 2008-2009 Faculty Cohort. This group read Carol Dweck’s, Mindset, and will determine how to unravel the meaning of this text for classroom teachers. In addition, they will finish their action research projects from last year.

The CFT is also coordinating with the administration of Drew Charter and Westminster Schools to design and develop professional development programs for 2009-2010. The CFT will continue its work with the Westminster JHS faculty on the professional learning community devoted to learning about the 21st Century Classroom. We will also continue our work with Drew faculty who are exploring Understanding by Design as a way to coordinate lessons with Georgia Performance Standards.

Please let me know if the CFT can assist you with your teaching or some aspect of teaching and learning that most interests you. The CFT is a resource that faculty can draw.

Bob Ryshke
Executive Director