Page 31 - BUZZ Magazine - Issue #5 Summer 2023 | University of Rochester

V E R S I T Y
I
N GOOD O
U THINGS FOR F
ALUMNI AND
institution focused on improving educational outcomes for our community’s R FRIENDS R
children. To continue to do this in an exemplary way, we are building in O E
more mental health support for our students; creating networking and C H E S T
mentorship opportunities for them and our alumni; leveraging technology and
understanding its impact on our field; and bolstering as well as expanding our
programs, including partnerships across the University and in the community.
Buzz Magazine
WHAT’S WARNER DOING TO ADDRESS THE NATIONAL
TEACHER SHORTAGE? Spring 2023
Right now, about 50 percent of new teachers leave after a few years. We
must develop innovative programs to address retention, ones like the Roc
Urban Fellows program with the Rochester City School District. Each fellow is
awarded a two-year contract with RCSD. During that time, the fellows become THOMAS FARRELL ’88, ’90W (MS)
classroom interns, partner with master educators, and earn their teaching Senior Vice President
credentials at night at Warner. Programs like this work—around the country for University Advancement
they retain about 80 percent of teachers after a few years.
KAREN CHANCE MERCURIUS
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE MOST PRESSING ISSUES
Vice President
IN EDUCATION? for Alumni and Constituent Engagement
I believe that education is the backbone of a democracy. With such division
and discord in our society, our educational systems and institutions are
being attacked and devalued. Yet, when people talk about their formative ERIN MARTIN KANE
experiences, so often they describe the inspiration and aspiration that came Executive Editor
from their teachers, the ones who had the skills to help them achieve their
dreams. At Warner, we have to be the strongest advocates for teachers,
students, and the experience of education overall.
MICHELLE HILDRETH
TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE TEACHERS— Creative Director
HOW DID THAT PERSON INSPIRE YOU?
Professor Ann Swidler taught Sociology 101, and she opened up a world to KRISTINE KAPPEL THOMPSON
me as a teenager who had grown up sheltered. On the first day of class, she Editorial Director + Writer
asked us to reflect on how tombstones mark the year we are born and the
year we die, but that life is all about that dash in the middle—it’s about what
we do with the dash that matters. She talked about things I had not thought MARY BONOMO
about, too, like the second shift in gender politics. She described how, when Designer
women come home from our jobs, our second shift starts. We take care of the
kids, make dinner, clean the house. It prompted me to think about my mother
and how she was a school teacher by day and then ran our home at night and
on the weekends. I started to think differently about myself and society and Additional Staff Contributors
how I’d approach my life choices. SYDNEY BURROWS

ADVICE FOR TEACHERS TODAY? JOANNA HACKETT
In 2023, the front line of COVID is still with them, in the classroom. SALLY PARKER
Everything they are feeling is real, complex, and difficult. Lean into your
networks, peers, and colleagues for support. Share your struggles and NANCY ZAWACKI
problem-solve together. Think about learning a new skill or getting a
certification in an additional field—do something different to change your
perspective a bit. If you are thinking of leaving education, know that the
grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Remember why you got into
teaching in the first place—there isn’t a better job in the world to impact
the lives of children. Get to summer break, go on a vacation, feel proud of
what you accomplished this year, and be purposeful in your next steps.

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