BC News

Literacy campers gather at Slinglerands
Release Date: Aug. 24, 2007

Education is about learning – not just for students, but for teachers.

That is why approximately 75 of the district’s elementary teachers and secondary English Language Arts teachers attended this year’s Bethlehem Central Literacy Camp at Slingerlands Elementary School in mid-August. The three-day event included a keynote from UAlbany Reading Professor Cheryl Dozier, but largely featured the expertise of the district’s own ELA teachers, who ran workshops and discussions.

The workshops were developed to connect educational theory to classroom practice. For example, Slingerlands 5th grade teacher Kristi Malsan and teacher Diane McNiven led a session on how to use the popular book, “Marley and Me” to get students excited about writing.

"The camp is a great way for teachers to stay challenged, effective, and fresh in their work,” said Dianna Reagan, the district’s ELA supervisor. “Coming together as one group during the summer and sharing a variety of perspectives allowed us to address the complex challenges we face as instructional decision makers. Rather than relying on the system for training programs, teachers came to rely on themselves and one another, embracing new ideas and rethinking old ones.”

The literacy camp was developed as part of the district’s Professional Development program, and is part of the implementation of the district’s literacy initiative.

“The high turnout and the fact that BC teachers led the workshops shows that our teachers are dedicated professionals focused on improving their craft and well-respected among their peers,” Slingerlands Principal Heidi Bonacquist said. “Through this collaboration, our teachers are building skills and strategies that they will use in their classrooms to help students this year.”