1. Think About Teaching Conference
A Cooperative Regional Effort to Increase the Number of Minority Candidates Within the Teacher Applicant Pool

2. Mission Statement
To bring together college-bound high school students from various groups that are underrepresented in the teaching profession for a day of workshops, speakers and other activities – all designed to encourage youth to…
THINK ABOUT TEACHING
As a future career.

3. The Need for Minority Teachers
2006
46% of NYS students are minority
4.0% of teachers outside of “Big 5” are minority
36% of teachers in “Big 5” are minority
1980
32% NYS students are minority
3.3% of teachers outside “Big 5” are minority
26% of teachers in “Big 5” are minority

4. TAT History
Begun in 2000 by two groups of concerned educators operating independently with the same idea.
Rush Henrietta Central Schools
Urban-Suburban Interdistrict Transfer Program Governance Board
Both groups decide to focus on “growing our own” minority teachers while still working to recruit from outside areas.

5. TAT History continued
Representatives from various constituencies invited to discuss issues related to the shortage of minority teacher candidates in greater Rochester area.
Local school districts, higher education, teachers unions and minority community worked together to develop idea of TAT conference.

6. Groups Involved in Planning
Brighton CSD
Brockport CSD
Greece Central Schools
Fairport CSD
Penfield CSD
Pittsford CSD
Rush-Henrietta CSD
West Irondequoit CSD
Wheatland-Chili CSD
Urban Suburban Program
TSTT Program
BOCES 1&2
National Education Association
New York United Teachers
Genesee Community College
Monroe Community College
Keuka College
Nazareth College
Roberts Wesleyan College
SUNY Brockport
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY Geneseo
University of Rochester
Ibero-American League
Monroe County School Business Partnership
Urban League of Rochester
Monroe County School Boards Association

7. First TAT Conference
Conference for prospective minority teachers among current high school students.
Nazareth College May 23, 2001
Keynote: Dr. Marva Collins
300 students from 20 area schools.
Program of 14 breakout sessions
Book fair, College fair, Campus Tours
Ken Hilton, chair of Architect Group

8. Sample Breakout Sessions
Teaching in High Needs Areas
Why Teach?
Education Careers Outside the Classroom
Teacher supply and Demand
What to Study to Become a Teacher
Financial Aid
Admissions
2+2 Programs
Support Programs for Multicultural Students
College Life: Surviving and Succeeding

9. Think About Teaching II
Conference at SUNY Brockport, March 20, 2002
Keynote: Dr. Crystal Kuykendall
300 students from 26 area school districts
14 Breakout sessions.
Book Fair (and signing), College Fair (25 schools), Campus Tours
Dr. Kuykendall offered staff development for SUNY Brockport and Monroe County school faculty night before workshop.
Allan Berry, chair of Architect Group

10. Think About Teaching III
March 18, 2003 at Roberts Wesleyan College
400 minority students from greater Monroe County area.
Keynote: Dr. William Parker
College Fair at lunch in the gymnasium.
Parent program offered evening before conference with keynote, admissions and financial aid presentations.
Chris Manaseri, chair of Architect Group

11. TAT IV March 29, 2004 at SUNY Geneseo
Keynote: Regent Adelaide H. Sanford
Conference topics ranged from preparing for college to college-survival skills to varied careers in education.
41 school districts participated, including Rochester City School District and 17 school districts outside of Monroe County.
TSTT represented for first time
Jackie Roblin and Keith Johnson, chair Architect Group

12. Think About Teaching V Monroe Community College March 16, 2005
Keynote: Dr. Orlando L. Taylor, Dean of Howard University Graduate School.
Topic : “Closing the Achievement Gap”
Dr. Bettye Perkins presented, “Can TSTT Help Solve the Shortage of Minority Teachers?”
Dawn Oryszak and Ken Hilton, chair Architect Group

13. Think About Teaching VI
St. John Fisher College – March 9, 2006
Keynote: Ken Green, The College Board, Southern Regional Office.
More than 450 students from Monroe County and beyond.
Mr. Green offered professional development for Monroe County school district administrators and teachers.
Program included 16 breakout sessions
Jeff Dillon and Jackie Roblin, chair Architect Group

14. Think About Teaching VII
Nazareth College
March 15, 2007
Keynote: Bakari Kitwana, Educator, Author
Tom Gallagher and Theresa Woodson, chair Architect Group

15. Think About Teaching VIII
Roberts Wesleyan College
March 25, 2008
Keynotes: William Boatwright and Arkee Allen
Theresa Woodson and Jennifer Lisak, chair Architect Committee

16. Think About Teaching Conference IX
SUNY Brockport
March 17, 2009
Keynotes: Nyree Strong and William Ruiz
Rob Banzer and Nancy Hackett chair Architect Committee

17. Think About Teaching Conference X
SUNY Geneseo
March 15, 2010
Keynote: Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
Thomas Gallagher and Theresa Woodson, chair Architect Committee

18. Think About Teaching Conference XI
St. John Fisher College
March 3, 2011
Keynote: Mr. Kali Watkins
Theresa Woodson, chair Architect Committee

19. Think About Teaching Conference XII
Nazareth College
March 15, 2012
Keynote: Dr. Marilyn Patterson-Grant

20. Cooperation of Constituents
Schools supply students, supervision and transportation.
Host college provides facilities and coordination.
Teacher unions provide cost of lunch.
Other agencies and groups provide volunteers for planning and presentations.
Local business provides financial support.

21. Needs Financial Support – conference budget of $15,000 includes:
$7,000 keynote speaker fee
$1,000 in travel and overnight expenses
$2,000 in non-lunch food costs
$2,000 in supplies and materials
$2,000 for parental involvement component
$1,000 miscellaneous
Note - all presentations, break out sessions, etc., are provided gratis by member groups.

22. THANK YOU for your interest in the Think About Teaching Conference
For more information contact:
Mary Balme