From the Teacher Center Director

Since its inception in the 1980’s, the Mid-State Teacher Resource Center has provided professional learning opportunities and support to thousands of educators from across our 13 district/school members and Utica University.  Opportunities include co-sponsoring BOCES Staff & Curriculum Development’s summer conferences; offering specialized training for teachers and teaching assistants; enabling access to NYS ASCD webinars; and supporting a growing number of professional learning groups (PLGs).

To illustrate, during the 2023-24 school year 19 Professional Learning Groups (PLGs), hosted by teacher facilitators, held more than 83 meetings for 852 participants, providing more than 170 hours of professional learning. What did teachers do at these facilitated meetings? They shared knowledge and pedagogical strategies with one another, learned from invited experts, and engaged in self-guided studies. These meetings took place virtually and in-person, before, during, and after school hours. Judging by the participation alone, the teachers will continue to value the PLGs.