ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester is hosting Teach For America New York’s first-ever statewide summit this weekend, bringing together educators, policymakers and community leaders from across New York state at The Strathallan Hotel. The two-day event marks the organization’s 35th anniversary.
The summit, called Empire State of Mind, runs Friday evening through Saturday. Teach For America New York says Rochester was chosen as the host city because of the leadership already established here and across central and western New York.
What You Need To Know
Teach For America New York is holding its first-ever statewide summit in Rochester this weekend, bringing together hundreds of education leaders from across New York state
The two-day event will tackle teacher shortages, student achievement gaps, and career pathways as part of the organization’s 35th anniversary
Executive Director Tia Morris says the goal is to lock arms with local leaders already doing the work in Central and Western New York
Hundreds of attendees are expected, including elected officials, advocates and parents. Saturday’s full-day programming begins at 9 a.m. and includes eight sessions targeting some of the most pressing challenges facing New York schools — teacher shortages, student achievement gaps and pathways connecting students to careers.
Teach For America New York has roughly 7,000 alumni across the state, with about 1,000 concentrated in Central and Western New York.
Executive Director Tia Morris said the organization’s presence in the region is rooted in collaboration, not competition.
“Access and opportunity don’t happen by accident. They require leadership, and Teach For America, we are in the business of developing leaders, of cultivating leaders, but also locking arms with leaders who work in the community,” she said.
Saturday’s sessions will cover educator wellness, career-connected learning and family engagement, with presenters traveling from Rochester, Schenectady, Syracuse and Albany. Adrian Hale of the New York State Board of Regents will deliver the keynote address.
Morris said she wants everyone who attends to leave with a renewed sense of purpose.
“I believe in the inherent genius of every single child in this state, and it is on us as adults to spark that fire. I’m hoping that each of us walks away truly informed, connected and inspired,” she added.
Registration information for Saturday’s sessions is available on the Teach For America website.