Manuel Rivera, Rochester City School District (RCSD) superintendent, will discuss critical issues facing Rochester city schools in "Leading Change in Urban Districts: The Rochester City School District's Strategic Plan" at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the University of Rochester. His talk is the first in a series of Urban Teaching and Leadership Forums offered by the Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development at the University.
Rivera will speak in the Great Hall of Rush Rhees Library on the University's River Campus. All sessions are free and open to the public.
Urban Teaching and Leadership (UTL) Forums are designed to provide a space where University, school, and community stakeholders can learn more about urban education and the work and initiatives of the City School District. The Warner School has organized four forums to address issues facing city schools in Rochester and other urban areas. Additional sessions scheduled for the 2005-06 academic year will begin at 6 p.m. in the Gowen Room of Wilson Commons on the River Campus. They are:
- Dec. 7, 2005—"Becoming Part of the Community Development Process: The Rochester Children's Zone" with Jana Carlisle, RCSD planning officer.
- Feb. 8, 2006—"The Rochester City School District Budget and the Challenges of Funding Large Urban Districts" with Vernon Conner, RCSD director of budget.
- April 5, 2006—Panel discussion with Rebecca Boyle, director of professional development; Maria Cianca, chief of school development and academics; Marie Costanza, coordinator of mentor-intern programs; and Susan Goodwin, director of the Rochester Teacher Center, all of the City School District.
Through the UTL program, the Warner School prepares educators to work in high-needs urban schools and classrooms, and to build on research, innovative practice, and the expertise of mentors to help all students reach their potential. The importance of collaboration between these constituents is emphasized in the work of the program, as is the need for educators to engage in social action for the improvement of public education.
To register for any of the forums, contact Janet Moore at (585) 275-9929.