Friday, Lourdes Ramirez, coordinator of field placements, partnerships and recruitment for Fitchburg State’s School of Education welcomed a cohort of local high school students enrolled in The Future Educator Academy program to campus for a day of programming. Students completed a badge focused on topics in education; Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution Techniques, Activity Facilitation, Financial literacy & Financial Planning, and Working with Students Who are Underserved, Traditionally Marginalized, and Disenfranchised. Lourdes Ramirez, Emily Fournier, Dr. Dustin Halterman, John Lohmann, John Crawley, and  Angele Goss facilitated the instruction.

Theater Professor, and Sign Language Interpreter, Kelly Morgan teaches students sign language during our Young Falcons Academy Week. The Young Falcons Academy Week is where students from Fitchburg and Leominster public middle schools partake in a week full of activities on campus.

After reading A River Ran wild by Lynne Cherry which is about the Nashua River rivershed, School of Education Department Chair Lyndsey Benharris  brought the students in her Investigations in Science & Social Studies in Early Childhood Education course to a section of the Nashua River that runs by campus. Students were tasked with colleting samples that will later be studied. This course emphasizes best teaching practices and high-quality materials used to engage young learners during science and social studies instruction. Learning theory and consideration for diversity and interests of children are a focus of the course. Candidates will learn how to promote an inquiry-based learning environment while employing strategies to integrate content and assist learners in social-emotional competencies. Candidates in the Early Childhood (PreK-2) initial licensure program are advised to register for Field Experience II in Early Childhood Education. 

After checking in at our McKay School location, and a n introduction and tour from School of Education Department Chair Lyndsey Benharris,  Future Falcons planning to be Education majors took part in just one of our many major-specific information sessions at yesterday's Future Falcon Day. Students and their guests got to meet student favorite Beauty, learn about the various tracks available, and take part in a teaching exercise with an assist from Silly Putty.

Paul Luria teaches and eager group pf ukulele enthusiasts for our Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area (ALFA) program. Paul led the group in some seasonal selections as well as potential choices to play at the upcoming 20th Anniversary ALFA Art Show, May 22, 2024.  ALFA, a lifelong learning institute that serves adult learners in Fitchburg and the surrounding communities.

Students in Dr. Lisa Grimm's Life Science for Educators investigate the reproduction of plants in their lab. This course covers a broad array of life science topics including cellular, organismal, and human biology. It is designed to provide a foundation in the life sciences for education majors (K-8). The course includes a laboratory component designed to develop the students' understanding of the scientific method and provide some biology methodologies that will aid students in the development of lesson plans and classroom activities. An integrative approach is taken for some aspects of this course to establish connections to other sciences (earth science, chemistry, engineering).

This afternoon, Chief of University Police Michael Cloutier conducted a Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) for Teacher Candidates in our Education Programs. The course, designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy developed by Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) in 2004, provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. 

This afternoon, Professors Elisabet Takehana & J.J. Sylvia of our Communications Media's Digital Media Innovation program discussed burgeoning topics in the realm of communications with the Fitchburg State University Upward Bound  Math and Science Summer Program students. Among the many subjects, AI and its implications were discussed.

Fitchburg State University Center for Professional Studies' Advanced Placement Summer Institutes (APSI)  AP Studio Art Summer Institute for new and experienced teachers of AP explore the 3D Art and Design, 2D Art and Design and Drawing portfolios. Studio sessions facilitate the creation of valuable curricula through corresponding art making.

The Fitchburg State University Center for Professional Studies' Advanced Placement Summer Institutes (APSI) first week is in full swing. In the AP Biology track, High School Teachers are conducting a week long transpiration experiment. The APSI are designed to support all aspects of AP courses, including AP methodology, curriculum, class assignments and examinations as well as providing strategies for teaching AP courses.