2015 NYS Teacher of the Year Is Keynote at Annual PDS Retreat

Buffalo State's Professional Development Schools (PDS) Consortium will hold its 21st annual retreat on Friday, September 25, from 7:45 a.m. to 1:25 p.m. The keynote speaker is Charles Giglio, New York State Teacher of the Year for 2015.

Giglio, a Latin teacher at the Gloversville Enlarged School District in Gloversville, NY, was the 45th recipient of the teaching award administered by the New York State Education Department. 

The annual retreat brings together PDS members, faculty from other colleges and universities, and those who want to learn more about the practices and collaborative model of the Buffalo State PDS. Session topics will include presentations about family math nights; celebrating leadership skills in an urban setting; helping parents to be effective educators of their children; and reclaiming kindergarten for children.

The PDS, founded in 1991, has been recognized nationally for excellence by the National Association of Professional Development Schools. Its purpose is to “deliberate on how to cooperatively supervise pre-service teachers and provide closer connections to classroom practice, promote professional development for in-service teachers, improve student learning, and research educational practice for school reform.”

This year, 200 participants representing classroom teachers, administrators from K-12 schools, Buffalo State faculty, and representatives from partnering institutions and other colleges will share ideas, experiences, and expertise.