ECE/EDU’s Orientation to Teaching Conference

Saturday morning, February 22nd, 100 participants joined a host of education experts in the ECE/EDU Department’s 6^th annual “Orientation to Teaching” conference.  Keynote speaker Daniel Raskin, a preschool teacher of 25 years, gave opening remarks that highlighted the joys and challenges of teaching young children, emphasizing practices such as cooperative learning, exploration & discovery, self-expression, and teaching children the basics of how we live together.

Participants then chose among four outstanding workshops:

   *“How to Make Teaching a Career” Mentor Teachers Teresa Campbell [KidInk/SM], Nataliya Gamburg [Skyline CDC], Daniele Koenig [Peninsula TempleShalom], Maria McKenna [PalCare/Infant] & Michele McLaughlin Champion/School-Age]

   *“What We Look for in Teachers” Director/Administrators Tina Watts [Skyline CDC], Minie Lopez [Bright Horizons/Genentech], Rachelle Henley [SF Parks & Rec] & Kaytie Brissenden-Smith [Child Care Careers]

   *“Teaching in Primary/Elementary School: Transitional & Kindegarten Teachers Pam Barasch, Michele Edelstein, Susan Stanchfield, and Barbara Hernandez

   *“Getting a CA Child Development Teaching Permit: Skyline ECE Adviser Cecelia Rebele. 

The Conference ended with Program Coordinator Kate Williams Browne giving an update about State policy and legislative news, upcoming events and courses sponsored by Skyline’s Educator Preparation Institute [EPIcenter] along with ideas about what to do next to become Early Learning Educators.  Stay tuned for our 5^th annual Early Intervention Symposium on Saturday, 3 May at Skyline’s Theater, and for the 3^rd annual ECE Graduation Celebration on Thursday, 15 May, at the Child Development Center.

Article by Kathryn Browne