13 minute read
Interest Groups
Interest groups are one-time workshops in which small groups of teachers meet informally around a common interest or identity. They provide opportunities to make connections and begin conversations with MƒA colleagues.
Activating Activists: Empowering Students for Political Change
Facilitator: Andrew Wells
MONDAY, NOV 22 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in addressing student concerns for the climate crisis and environmental justice? In this interest group, we will foster collaborative action and advocacy in students and teachers alike through involvement with local affiliates and campaigns such as the Sunrise Movement, Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Extinction Rebellion, East River Park Action, and Stop the Money Pipeline. While those who already teach the climate crisis might especially benefit, teachers of all subjects are encouraged to join!
Andrew Wells is a science teacher at New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math High School in Manhattan.
All-Levels Vinyasa Yoga
Facilitator: Emilie Brockmann
TUESDAYS, NOV 16, JAN 18 ONLINE COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.
Are you interested in starting a yoga practice but feel a bit intimidated? Vinyasa yoga incorporates all levels of movement, making it perfect for beginners. In this hour-long virtual session, we will move the body safely through carefully curated yoga postures as we explore different breathing techniques, build heat in the body, seek balance, and stretch and strengthen the muscles. By linking breath to movement, our practice will become a moving meditation.
Emilie Brockmann is a yoga instructor, sound meditation facilitator, and wellness practitioner.
APES Meet-Up
Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Scott Wassmuth
MONDAYS, OCT 4, JAN 3 ONLINE SCIENCE + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.
Are you interested in collaborating with teachers to share best practices for teaching AP Environmental Science? In this interest group, we will discuss what we learned as a result of teaching during the pandemic, as well as share ideas on how to incorporate social emotional learning and culturally responsive teaching into our curricula. Join us to collaborate and reflect on what you envision your APES course could be!
Authentic Relating
Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Deborah Schaeffer
THURSDAY, OCT 21 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in participating in a supportive community where the only agenda is to connect with one another? The authentic relating movement is all about cultivating genuine connection and personal transformation by witnessing another person in the moment and being witnessed fully as we express what is present for us. In this interest group, we will explore these practices with one another as we share our ideas for building community throughout the school year ahead.
Chess Club Facilitation
Facilitators: Justin Mulvey and MƒA Master Teacher Jasper DeAntonio
MONDAY, SEP 20 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you a chess club facilitator thinking about ways to re-engage students this fall or are you interested in starting a chess club? In this interest group, we will discuss problems of practice in facilitating chess clubs and explore activities and ideas to grow the club at your school. Any teacher interested in revamping or starting a chess club is welcome!
Justin Mulvey is a mathematics teacher at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School in Queens.
Cooperating Teachers for Student Teachers
THURSDAY, SEP 30 ONLINE INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP
Are you interested in becoming a cooperating teacher (CT) and mentoring new student teachers this year? Whether you currently have a student teacher and want to learn how to be a supportive CT or are interested in hosting a student teacher but are wondering if it is the right decision for you and your class, this interest group is for you. Join us as we ask questions, share ideas, and collaborate on how to make the most out of student and cooperating teacher relationships.
COVID-19 Survivors
Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Neil Farley, Andrew Wallace, and Jessica Weedon
TUESDAY, DEC 7 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in meeting other teachers who have had COVID-19 during the pandemic? In this interest group, we will create a safe space as we gather, share our experiences, and support one another in our healing and recovery.
Developing a Research Program
Facilitators: MƒA Master Teacher Jessica Weedon and MƒA Early Career Teacher Max Chomet
MONDAY, JAN 10 ONLINE SCIENCE
Are you interested in starting or further developing a science research program at your school? Join us as we explore the research program at The Bronx High School of Science and learn how the school supports students through a four-year research track. We will discuss course structures and objectives and how to support students in a variety of local and national science competitions. Several students in our research program will share their research and discuss their experiences. Teachers will have an opportunity to share their goals for student-led research and consider next steps.
Earth Science Meet-Up
Facilitator: MƒA Master Teachers James Anderson and Jeanne Kopun
THURSDAY, JAN 27 ONLINE SCIENCE
Are you interested in sharing materials, lesson plans, and ideas with other Earth Science teachers? Join us for an informal brainstorming session around best teaching practices for Earth Science. A special focus will be placed on reviewing virtual resources that were useful during our remote learning period.
Elementary Teacher Meet-Ups
Facilitator: MƒA Elementary School Teachers
MONDAYS, OCT 18, NOV 15, DEC 13, JAN 24 ONLINE COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.
Are you a K-5 educator interested in connecting with other elementary school teachers? Join us in this monthly virtual space to connect with and support one another. Our agenda will be set by the interest and needs of the teachers in our group.
Escape the Confines of Your Classroom With Virtual Reality
MONDAY, DEC 6 ONLINE COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY + PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN VR GOGGLES AND CAN BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE MƒA FLEX FUNDS PROGRAM.
Are you interested in using virtual and augmented reality to offer your students engaging activities not otherwise possible in the classroom? Then join us as we explore some of the apps currently available and develop a toolkit for implementation in your classroom.
Exploring a Plant-Based Path
Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Daniel Holstein and Ursula Lovings
THURSDAY, JAN 20 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in exploring the transition to a plantbased lifestyle? In this interest group, we will explore this choice and share resources on how to strategically and sustainably shift to a plant-based diet to experience improved health, increased energy, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Getting Started With Grant Writing and DonorsChoose
Facilitators: Andy Yung and MƒA Master Teachers Steven Oszust and Jordan Wolf
MONDAY, NOV 29 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in acquiring resources for your classroom but don’t have the budget to do so? Then look no further than DonorsChoose. Our team of grant writing experts will help you create a DonorsChoose account, teach you the craft of grant writing, and support you in writing and submitting DonorsChoose projects. We have over 600 completed projects among us. The skills learned in this session are easily transferable to many other grant applications as well.
Andy Yung is a pre-K teacher at P.S. 244Q The Active Learning Elementary School. He has used DonorsChoose.org to raise over $35,000 for his classroom, school, and community.
Grant It and It Shall Be Yours!
Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Jason Econome
TUESDAY, DEC 21 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in writing a grant proposal to transform your classroom into a more vibrant and engaging learning environment? Join us to learn which educational funding organizations are the most generous and what they look for in a successful application.
It Is Never Too Early to Start Planning for Retirement!
Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Lena Cosentino
THURSDAY, OCT 14 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in learning more about what TRS, TDA, and QPP mean to you as a NYC DOE teacher? Join us as we hear from a UFT Pension Representative to help answer questions you have about tiers, retirement, savings, and more.
Juggling the Demands of Teaching and Parenting
Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Janice Kwan
THURSDAYS, OCT 28, JAN 13 ONLINE COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.
Are you interested in meeting other teachers who are trying to find a healthy balance between the demands of teaching and parenting young children? Let’s come together to provide support and offer creative ideas to one another as we strive to find a healthy balance.
Making Dollars and Sense: Financial Freedom for Educators
Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Andrew Rodriguez
TUESDAY, NOV 30 ONLINE COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS ARE ENCOURAGED, BUT NOT REQUIRED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN COPY OF EVERYDAY MILLIONAIRES AND CAN BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE MƒA FLEX FUNDS PROGRAM.
Are you interested in attaining financial freedom on a teacher’s salary? Do you want to share your financial journey and learn from others? If so, join our group as we read Everyday Millionaires by Chris Hogan and learn strategies teachers can use to build a strong financial foundation.
MƒA Game Night
Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Deborah Reich and Matt Steiniger
WEDNESDAY, DEC 22 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in strategy, diplomacy, backstabbing and intrigue? How about learning and sharing new games while socializing with your colleagues in an informal virtual setting? If so, join us for the MƒA Game Night!
Mindful Yoga Practice
Facilitator: Roque Rodriguez
TUESDAYS, OCT 5, JAN 25 ONLINE COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.
Are you looking for an hour of mindfulness and selfcare? Join us for a yoga experience in which we turn our attention inward and link our movement and breath. We’ll begin by warming our bodies, then move through a vigorous, yet mindful yoga flow, and conclude with a guided yoga nidra meditation. This session is open to all yoga practitioners - from first-timers to seasoned yogis.
Roque Rodriguez is a yoga instructor and founder of Suryaside Yoga and Wellness in Queens, NY.
Navigating Allyship p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Danilsa Fernandez and Courtney Ferrell
MONDAY, SEP 27 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in dialoguing with teachers from various intersections of privilege about allyship? Would you like to share experiences or ask difficult questions in a small, intimate setting? No one is an expert, but we can build strength and support as we work together for equity. Join us in this safe space to share experiences
and ideas that we can bring to our allyship practice in our schools, communities, and lives.
Nerdy Makers
MONDAY, NOV 1 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in arts, crafts, building, and other handiwork, all with a STEAM flair? Join us to share projects, learn about new techniques, and meet some other creative folks. If there is interest, we will also plan a few outings to studios and makerspaces throughout the city.
Overbooked
Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Phylicia Hoyt and Theresa Stanley
TUESDAY, OCT 19 MONDAY, NOV 29 MONDAY, DEC 20 WEDNESDAY, JAN 26 ONLINE COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.
Are you interested in reading for FUN but don’t always have time? Join our book club as we read (mostly fiction) for enjoyment and come together to discuss the book. In the past we have read books such as Beartown by Fredrik Backman, The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom, My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, Exit West by Mohsin Hamid, Dancing in the Mosque by Homeira Qaderi, and many more! Stay tuned for this fall’s book picks.
Parents of Children With Special Needs Support Group
MONDAYS, OCT 25, DEC 13 ONLINE COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.
Are you a parent of a child with special needs hoping to connect with other parents? Join us as we talk about the daily successes and struggles and share advice and resources based on our own experiences. Topics will include, but are not limited to, emotional support for parents, effective methods of potty training, resources and activities for your child, and finding service providers and proper schools for your child. Each session will focus on the needs of the members in our group.
Purposeful Planning for Special Events
Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Sage Hunter and Rose Ventimiglia
TUESDAY, OCT 26 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in planning for special events like Latinx Heritage Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Pride Month, or Earth Day? These events offer a unique opportunity for us to be culturally responsive and increase equity in our classrooms. In this interest group, we will collaborate to thoughtfully plan for these special events and celebrate the diversity and interests of our students.
Racism and Health: How Racial Discrimination
Affects Well-Being p Facilitators: MƒA Early Career Teachers Bill Rodriguez and Kevin Zhou
THURSDAY, DEC 2 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in learning how racism affects mental health? In this interest group, we will explore the implications of racial discrimination on the mental health of both students and adults. We will examine the research on the connection between racism and mental health and then discuss how we can use this research to empower ourselves and our school communities and improve emotional well-being. In this iteration, we will also include a special focus on racism towards members of the AAPI community.
Science Olympiad Coaching
Facilitators: MƒA Master Teacher Naoual Eljastimi and Stefanie Fier
WEDNESDAY, SEP 29 ONLINE SCIENCE
Are you interested in starting a competitive extracurricular STEM team for your middle or high school students? Join us to learn about starting, improving, and coaching a Science Olympiad team! We’ll discuss how to increase student commitment, navigate parent engagement, and work within the constraints of school budgets. Come workshop ideas that will enhance the experience for both you and your students in this long-standing, rigorous, and fun science competition.
Staying Inspired in the Classroom
Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Jasper DeAntonio
TUESDAY, JAN 4 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Teaching during the pandemic has been challenging and exhausting. Join us as we discuss how we are reentering schools with positive energy to support our students, ourselves, and our colleagues. We will share new ideas for what sustains our practice and keeps us motivated and passionate.
Supporting Immigrant Students p Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Juan Carlos Perez
MONDAY, NOV 8 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in collaborating to support your immigrant students and their families? Join us as we share resources to help students and their families navigate the ongoing changes in immigration policy and discuss how to support these communities given the economic and social-emotional consequences of the pandemic.
Visual Note-Taking: Moving Beyond the Outline and T-Chart
Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Laurie Matthews
THURSDAY, DEC 9 ONLINE COMMUNITY
Are you interested in learning how to incorporate visual note-taking and sharing strategies into your classroom? Research has shown that recording information visually extends student understanding and improves information recall. Join us as we investigate powerful and engaging visual note-taking tools such as sketchnoting, templates, and infographics to boost student learning.
The Wonder of Science: NGSS Tools From Paul Andersen
Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Ida Bulalang and Olena Kebalo
WEDNESDAY, OCT 27 ONLINE SCIENCE
Are you interested in using resources from Paul Andersen’s The Wonder of Science? Join us as we explore this valuable resource and collaborate on how best to incorporate these tools to create NGSS-driven and phenomena-based classrooms. This group will meet after Paul Andersen’s Thursday Think talk on September 23. We hope you will join both!
