In January, Chenango Valley Central School District began a collaboration with Binghamton University Education 480G students. This partnership, which lasted through May, gave college students the chance to learn firsthand from Chenango Valley administrators, teachers, support staff, and students.
Over the course of four months, the program included learning observations, instructional presentations from Chenango Valley administrators, and involvement in district events such as STEAM Night. Every Wednesday, the class focused on a specific topic pertaining to the reality of the teaching world, including digital literacy, professionalism, and how to motivate students.
After they completed observations in CV classrooms, the BU class would regroup to review and reflect on their experiences. Together, they discussed topics including lecture-based versus interactive learning, how various teaching approaches such as using contemporary seating versus traditional desks could make an impact, how extra credit opportunities such as singing a song on an educational topic seemed to enhance student learning, and the importance of recess to help re-energize students.
The goal of this program was to show the prospective educators what life in a school is really like. Chenango Valley was proud to have these aspiring instructors in our hallways, and the district wishes them each the best of luck in their future endeavors!