NYSAIS Beginning Teachers Institute

The Beginning Teacher Institute (BTI) is designed for first- or second-year teachers and assistant teachers. The experience is highlighted by small group discussions led by a staff of experienced teachers and facilitators, along with videotaping of sample lessons by participants. In 2023-24, the institute will be held with an in-person full-day session at the start and the end of the institute, and after-school Zoom meetings in November, January, and February.

Register Here! – Registration begins Friday, September 1, 2023

Dates

Full-day in-person sessions:

• Friday, October 27, 2023 – Opening Day, in-person meeting at Ethical Culture School, 33 Central Park West, NY, NY, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., with an hour lunch break, and an optional evening event for participants to share appetizers/drinks at a local bar.
• Friday, April 19, 2024 – Closing Day, in-person meeting at Ethical Culture School, 33 Central Park West, NY, NY, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., with an hour lunch break

Monthly virtual sessions are on the following dates, from 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.:

• Early November 2023 – *Optional session – How to upload your lesson video / Questions about videos
• Monday, November 13, 2023, 4:30 – 6:00 pm – Choice session + video lessons
• Monday, January 22, 2024, 4:30 – 6:00 pm – Choice session + video lessons
• Monday, February 26, 2024, 4:30 – 6:00 pm – Goal Setting & Mid-year check-in (in divisional groups)

The program supports professional growth and development in three main areas:

• The self (goals, personal growth)
• The relationship to the school (parents, colleagues, Heads, and students)
• The vocation of teaching (curriculum, classroom management)

Areas of focus of BTI include:

• Parent Conferences
• Classroom Management
• Writing Comments and Grades
• Setting Goals
• Subject Area Discussions
• Grade Level Discussions
• Working with Students with Learning Differences
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Current Issues in School Today

The staff of the Beginning Teachers Institute includes seasoned teachers and administrators who serve in leadership roles. Participation on the staff of the Beginning Teachers Institute includes occasional meetings for planning prior to the institute, as well as full participation and leadership during the institute. Those who would like more information and/or are interested in serving on the staff of one of our institutes should contact Worokya Duncan, Associate Director for Professional Learning, worokya@nysais.org.

Fees

• Members: $650
• Non-members: $750

Staff in 2023-24

Kyle Anderson teaches Lower School STEM courses at The Calhoun School.

Coy Dailey is the Director of Equity and Community Engagement at The Brearley School.

Kim Deveaux, BTI co-leader, is the Ethics and Technology Coordinator at Ethical Culture Fieldston School.

Dori Haber (she/her) is currently a Lower School Learning Support teacher at City and Country School, teaching reading to first and second graders. Previously, she spent eight years teaching second grade, incorporating mindfulness, collaborative learning, and antiracist practices in the classroom. She is currently a part of the organizing team for the White Antiracist Educators (WARE) group for Independent Schools in NYC and the White Anti-Racist Affinity Group at City and Country.

Rachel Mazor

Sarah Luposello currently serves as the lower school curriculum coordinator and a faculty practice team member at The Hewitt School. Before joining the Hewitt community, she worked as a learning specialist and later as a fourth grade head teacher at The Allen-Stevenson School. Sarah is deeply passionate about all things education, and is committed to designing inclusive and universally-designed curricula across all content areas.

Suzanne Oster – Suzanne is entering her 15th year in education this fall, having worked in public, charter and independent schools during that time. She is currently the 7th & 8th Grade Math Teacher, as well as the 7th & 8th Grade Class Dean at The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine. When she is not in the classroom, Suzanne is an avid runner and traveler, loves to cook, and tries to watch all of the Oscar nominated movies each year. She is the middle of three girls and has four nieces who live in Nashville, TN. Suzanne is excited to be a part of the BTI faculty and looks forward to working with everyone this year!

Liz Palusevic (she/her) is a 2nd grade head teacher at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School. This is her 5th year at EC, and 12th year teaching. She loves spending time with her 2 nephews and shamelessly watching Bravo.

Mark Silberberg – Mark Silberberg is the Director of Admissions and Outreach at The Lang School. Previously, he has served as the Middle School Principal and the Director of Learning & Innovation at Little Red Schoolhouse Elisabeth Irwin High School (LREI).

Jennifer D. Tait is the Learning Support Department Head at Trinity School, where she is particularly passionate about her work with student affinity groups.

Nikki Vivion currently teaches upper school science and serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Nightingale-Bamford School, a role assumed after spending seven years as chair of the science department. Nikki’s passions lie in public health and the environment, and most specifically at their intersection.