Dutchess BOCES

While school is out for most students this summer, that isn’t the case for more than 1,000 teachers and administrators taking classes through the Dutchess BOCES Educational Resources Division.

This summer, BOCES offered more than 60 classes on topics that included an Equity Book Study Series, Summer Book Clubs for elementary and secondary educators, virtual instruction support by grade bands, Enhancing Special Education with online tools, a five-day Google University series, and an “Engaging Youth During Covid-19 and Racial Injustice” series.

Many classes were open to the general public, but some were held for specific cohorts or school districts.

In total, enrollment was 1,065, more than double the 400 educators provided with professional development in each of the last two summers, Director of Educational Resources Jenny Schinella said.

The equity, Google U, and online learning classes were the most popular.

“I think you're seeing an urgency from educators during the summer to build their capacity in the area of racial justice," Schinella said.

The first Equity Book Study Series on, “How To Be An Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi had 100 enrollees and the second, slated for Aug. 7-28, “Not Light, But Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom,” by Matthew R. Kay has 60.

More than 20 classes focus on helping teachers improve their distance learning instruction skills. More than 500 educators enrolled in those classes.

“Google and remote online instructional supports are also an area of urgency in these uncertain times,” Schinella said.

All of BOCES’ offerings for the summer were remote and for now, it looks like that will continue for the fall. The biggest challenge with summer offerings remains scheduling, Schinella said. But virtual sessions bring a benefit in greater outreach.

Typically, in-person classes may have 15-20 participants, whereas online classes can accommodate 50 or 60 or more, she said.  Some of the offerings may be repeated or be built upon during the fall.

“We had great turnout for the equity and Google support, so we’re looking to rerun them and offer next steps as there are many resources we can use to engage educators in instructional design and equity,” Schinella said.

September and October offerings will be announced shortly.