Teach For America New York Alumni Homecoming: Spark the Future
May 18, 2024
10:00 AM — 4:00 PM EDT
The Cooper Union Foundation Building
7 East 7th Street
(between 3rd and 4th Avenues)
New York,
New York
10003
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May 18, 2024 10:00 AM May 18, 2024 4:00 PM America/New_York Teach For America New York Alumni Homecoming: Spark the Future The Cooper Union Foundation Building 7 East 7th Street (between 3rd and 4th Avenues) New York New York 10003 use-title aqIEBWpuYzmyieobHmby63777Teach For America New York’s Alumni Homecoming is an annual event gathering our diverse alumni network in New York for a day filled with networking, coalition-building, and expert panels. This year’s theme “Spark the Future” analyzes who and what will be critical for our nation’s future workforce and provides both tangible and aspirational ways that community members can ensure students are prepared for a successful life beyond the classroom. This is your chance to connect with like-minded alumni, partners, and educators in New York and ideate around long-term educational and workforce outcomes for students in NYC. Help inspire the future of our collective work to give students the tools they need to achieve personal agency, academic opportunity, and economic mobility!
Check Out Our Panels and Meet Our Panelists
Morning Panel: AI and the Evolution of Education
The AI revolution is here. How can we leverage it to create opportunities in education for teachers, students, and communities? In this discussion focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, guests will learn more about the current state of AI in our schools, the potential risks and rewards of leveraging this technology, and strategies for building AI acumen and curriculums. Panelists will also share resources and initiatives to support meaningful AI-engagement, learning, and achievement that will serve adults and kids long-term.
Aaron Cuny (TFA DC ‘02)
As Founder and CEO of AI for Equity, Aaron Cuny (DC ‘02) supports school system leaders to leverage AI technology in service of a more just and equitable future for all students. Previously, Aaron co-founded and led Ingenuity Prep Public Charter School, where under his leadership, the school’s at-risk student achievement ranked near the top of all school networks in Washington, D.C. He holds an M.A. in Education Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University and a B.A. in English and Economics from the University of North Florida. He’s a proud dad to two young girls and a trail running enthusiast.
Jahari Shelton
Jahari Shelton is a visionary consultant, writer, and speaker. His work lies at the intersection of design, ethics, culture, and healing at social impact organizations. Outside of this work, he also co-hosts a podcast focused on post-graduate life and recently began an education-centered newsletter. Over the past eight years, Jahari has worked with numerous education organizations including America’s Promise Alliance, Transcend Education, the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition, Statesman College Prep Academy for Boys, and Relay Graduate School of Education. He also served as a Youth Commissioner on the Aspen Institute National Commission for Social, Emotional, and Academic Development, co-creating a roadmap for a future where every child receives comprehensive support for success in the least restrictive environments.
Daniel Siegel (DC '21)
Daniel Siegel, a Teach For America Houston '21 alum and current Columbia University researcher, specializes in identifying instances of AI abuse and promoting media literacy. His influential work, featured in The New York Times, investigates state actors' and extremist groups' sophisticated use of AI to spread disinformation, targeting vulnerable young audiences. His upcoming panel participation on media literacy issues and cyberbullying will underscore the critical challenges posed by AI in manipulating public opinion and exacerbating cyberbullying, emphasizing the need for vigilant digital defenses.
Claire Zau
Claire Zau is a Vice President at GSV Ventures, an early stage edtech Venture Capital firm at the forefront of transformative technologies that are shaping the future of education and work. GSV has previously invested in category leading companies like Coursera, Classdojo, Handshake, Guild Education and many more, and invest across the Pre-K to Grey sector. GSV is a longtime partner and co-host of the ASU+GSV Summit alongside ASU for the last 15 years. Claire focuses on GSV’s AI and K-12 coverage and writes a weekly newsletter on all things AI and education on Substack – aieducation.substack.com. She graduated from Stanford University and received her Master’s from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. At Penn, Claire was a Venture Fellow at Red & Blue Ventures and interned at Penn’s education accelerator Catalyst. She has previous work experience in tech (strategy and product) and finance (private equity and venture capital). She has previously lived in Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, the Bay Area and is now based in New York City.
Afternoon Panel: Future Ready Learners -- Preparing The Students of Today for the Workforce of Tomorrow
The workplace and employer needs continue to shift and modernize at a rapid pace. Simultaneously, experts predict most people in the future won’t just have one career over their lifetime, but many. How can we best prepare students for these changes, big and small? What does it look like to set kids up to thrive in the workplace without dimming their light? In this panel, we’ll discuss the necessary skills to succeed in the future workforce, and ways community members can support students in remaining lifelong learners on the path to professional and economic opportunity.
jacob adams (TFA New York ‘13)
jacob adams (TFA New York ‘13) founded STEM to the Future (STTF), whose mission is to inspire, motivate, and support Black and brown elementary and middle school youth to create the futures they want and deserve. STTF has grown to annually serve over 800 youth through their direct service programs and over 30,000 youth and 300 educators with their curriculum and professional development. His path to founding STTF began as an elementary school Teach For America corps member in New York. jacob, also holds a Master's degree from Relay School of Education and is becoming an emerging thought leader on liberatory education. He’s been honored by multiple fellowships including an inaugural Science Sandbox Fellow, 4.0 Schools Fellow, member of the inaugural Black Equity Collective and the Transformative Education Leadership fellow. Beyond his professional life, jacob finds joy in travel, music, cooking, and photography. Free to follow STTF on Instagram @stemtotheufuture.
Kelly Cassaro (TFA New York ‘04)
Kelly Cassaro (TFA New York ‘04) is the Chief of Learning at Generation (www.generation.org), an education to employment non-profit that trains and places learners of all ages into careers that were previously beyond their reach. She has built and led an international team to create and support implementation of over 30 online, hybrid and in-person programs serving over 100,000 learners across the globe. Kelly is the author of Shift Teaching Forward, a practical guide to support educators in preparing students and job seekers for the demands of theever-changing workplace, released in February 2024. Kelly has previously worked for 20 years in various educational leadership roles, including as Chief Academic Officer and Managing Director of Instructional Leadership development for urban charter schools and nonprofit management companies in New York City. Kelly is a Teach for America alumna, she holds a master’s in educational leadership from Bank Street School of Education and a bachelor's of education from Ohio Wesleyan University. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children.
Hollins Gause (TFA Metro Atlanta ‘08)
Hollins Gause (TFA Metro Atlanta ‘08) is the VP of Growth Strategy and Admissions at The Marcy Lab School. In this role, she builds, and oversees implementation of, the recruitment, admissions, and growth strategies that draw compatible young adults to the Marcy Lab School's software engineering fellowship. Her work experience before joining The Marcy Lab School includes stints in program management and leadership development with Meta, in talent strategy and recruitment for Teach For America, and teaching high school social studies to some of the most extraordinary 9th and 11th graders to ever walk the halls of South Atlanta High School. Outside of work, she can most often be found playing tennis, making pottery, reading, combing Brooklyn record stores for LPs to add to her collection, working out, or kicking back with close friends and family.
Explore Our Breakout Space Options
Teach For America Math Task Force
Are you a current or former math teacher or leader? A STEM specialist? Or just someone who cares deeply about how students are meeting critical math milestones? This is the breakout session for you! Teach for America New York has an ambitious 10-year goal that aims to increase math proficiency in the city by 2030. We know that our greatest asset in moving this work forward is our network of passionate educators, practitioners and policymakers. This breakout session will be the kickoff gathering for the TFA NY Math Task Force, a collective of leaders who will be key partners in helping us forge ahead towards our 10-year goal. Come and learn more about how we’re moving the needle in math education, engage with other like-minded alum and partners and help us shape this critical movement going forward!
Facilitators: TFA NY Math Steering Committee
Sparking Your Future: Career Visioning and Mapping Session
Are you considering next steps for your career but unsure where to begin? Do you lack the time or space to even consider what might be next for you? Join this session with Ron Rapatalo of Stronger Consulting and a community of peers to give yourself the gift of time to reflect and brainstorm where your talents and interests may best align with professional impact. Use the wisdom in the room to co-create your career path vision. You will leave with input, connections and ideas for next steps to support your career planning journey.
Facilitator: Ron Rapatalo, Stronger Consulting
Modern Classrooms Project
Tired of the “one-size-fits-all” approach to instruction? Looking to make teaching more sustainable? Join the Modern Classrooms Project breakout session to learn more about methods of differentiation that meet every student’s needs. Learn how Modern Classrooms is innovating instruction through the use of blended, self-paced, mastery-based practices, and learn more about the opportunities available to you in NYC to receive free training (and a stipend + CTLE credits). Want to learn more now? Check out www.modernclassrooms.org/nyc.
Facilitator: Tony Xiao, Modern Classrooms Project
Presence & Reaching Out in Challenging Times: A Session for School-Based Educators
In this workshop, we will introduce Inspiring Educators’ PRES Model for Leadership Presence as a framework you can leverage to navigate challenging times as a leader at your school. Focusing our time primarily on the “R”, we will explore and practice methods of listening designed to strengthen relationships. As a group, we will reflect, practice, coach one another, and practice again. We will use this time to introduce new tools that you can begin applying right away. This session is specifically for aspiring or current school leaders and will be capped at 30 participants.
Inspiring Educators’ PRES Model for Leadership Presence:
P being Present
R Reaching out
E being Expressive
S being Self-knowing
Facilitator: Zoe Galle, Inspiring Educators
Meet Our Community Partners
Tired of the “one-size-fits-all” approach to instruction? Join the Modern Classrooms Project Virtual Mentorship Program to learn methods of differentiation that meet every student’s needs. With a dedicated mentor as your guide, create a complete unit using blended, self-paced, mastery-based practices. Finish the program with a clear plan to anchor class time around spending more time with students one-on-one and in small groups. Not only does this program lead to improved student outcomes, but it also makes the teaching profession more sustainable. Leaders, please stop by the Modern Classroom booth to learn a bit more about how MCP can fuel your school goals and transform teacher practice in your building. This is a free professional development opportunity for all NYC educators, with a $500 stipend & 45 NYS CTLE hours upon completion! Learn more at https://www.modernclassrooms.org/
iMentor is an education non-profit and youth mentoring program working to empower first-generation college students to graduate high school, succeed in college or other post-secondary pathways, and achieve their ambitions through one-on-one mentorships. iMentor supports junior and senior high school students in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. Do you have 3 hours a month to impact a young scholar’s life? We invite you to watch a brief overview video and sign up for one of iMentor NYC’s many upcoming virtual orientations, which are open to the general public. If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to reach out to volunteer@imentor.org.
New York City Public Schools is the largest public school system in the United States, serving 900,000 students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Our mission is to ensure that each student graduates on a pathway to a rewarding career and long-term economic security, equipped to be a positive force for change. We offer competitive salaries with opportunities for growth and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a pension plan. With 1,600 schools across NYC, teachers can find their community, enhance their skills, and advance their careers. Visit TeachNYC.net to learn more and apply today!
The Summer Principals Academy (SPA) at Teachers College, Columbia University (the #1 graduate school of education) is a proven and effective Education Leadership program through which aspiring school leaders earn a Master’s degree in just 14 months without having to miss a day of teaching! Advocating innovation, creativity, and risk-taking to promote institutional change, their outstanding faculty introduce their students to new possibilities for student learning, school improvement, social equity, and creative school design. For more information, feel free to reach out to Dr. Colette Young, Assistant Director SPA|NYC at cy2288@tc.columbia.edu or attend one of their upcoming events at http://spatc.eventbrite.com.
BC2M empowers students through high school clubs to advocate for mental health awareness and supports them in creating more empathetic and stigma free school environments.
INCLUDEnyc (www.includenyc.org) is the leading provider of training and information for young people with any known or suspected disability from 0-26, their families, and the professionals who support them in New York City. Last year, INCLUDEnyc assisted more than 16,000 people and reached over 400,000 individuals through digital communications and community outreach. Founded in 1983, INCLUDEnyc believes every young person should be fully included in school, in the workforce, in the community – and should have access to resources, services, and supports to succeed.
Educators for Excellence is a teacher-led organization that ensures teachers have a leading voice in the policies that impact their students and profession.
Playground IEP’s mission is to help teachers serve’ Students Not Spreadsheets’ by modernizing the way teachers serve students with IEPs and other accommodations. Playground IEP’s AI- IEP writing tools, integrated progress monitoring, automated IEP scheduling, accommodations portal, and gen ed collaboration portal, give teachers the leverage they need to close the achievement gap for all students with accommodations. Playground IEP’s supplementary IEP Copilot platform of free AI tools, allows individual teachers access to same AI capabilities, without requiring a school or district contract. Playground IEP was founded by Sean Klamm, TFA Chicago ’14 who left the classroom in 2020 to build the tools for Noble Schools that he needed as a special ed teacher and director.
All children can learn to read, but not all will without access to strong curricula and knowledgeable teachers. Structured Literacy Solutions supports teachers, schools, and districts in aligning their literacy programs with the science of research through professional development, program selection, implementation support, and ongoing coaching for teachers and leaders. To learn more about Structured Literacy Solutions, visit slsreading.com
MƒA was established to bring new mathematics teachers into the profession, who were supported by experienced teachers in the MƒA Master Teacher Fellowship. In 2014, the MƒA board decided to build on the success of the MƒA Master Teacher Fellowship, opening it to teachers of all STEM subjects in grades K-12 and growing the program to support 1,000 teachers annually, or roughly 10% of the STEM teaching force in NYC.
Storyshares is dedicated to bringing the transformational power of books to students beyond the 3rd grade who have fallen behind in reading. We offer readers a library of over 500 diverse, relevant, and accessible titles at a range of skill and interest levels, and we support educators with surrounding resources and professional learning series to empower literacy growth in grades 3-12. Storyshares recently released two new decodable chapter book series for grades 3-12, where each title is made up of 5 distinct decodable texts along an SOR-aligned scope and sequence. These decodable texts are designed to be engaging for older developing readers, through a new spin on the key components of book length and shape, themes, characters, and illustrations. The books are closely aligned with best practices from the science of reading, following a research-based scope and sequence, with each decodable text providing opportunities for scaffolding and spiraling phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension practice as students strengthen their skills. Want to learn more? Reach out directly to Storyshares founder and CEO Louise Baigelman, TFA '09 (louise@storyshares.org).
Julia Dixon is the Founder and CEO of ESAI (pronounced [ES] + [AY] + [EYE]), the first-of-its-kind generative AI platform for college applicants and young professionals. As a former college advisor, Julia saw a major inequality emerging as only the wealthiest families could afford resources for their students to stand out and get into the most competitive colleges and universities. She created ESAI to help level the playing field, so students of all backgrounds and resources could have a fair shot at telling their unique stories. As seen on EdTech Insiders, Fox Business, and Interesting Engineering.
Scenes from Homecoming 2023
