City schools want hire authority

City Department of Education officials said they’re planning to seek state approval to certify teachers on their own for the first time, without the aid of colleges or universities.

Shael Polakow Suransky, the Department of Education chief academic officer stated “We don’t want to have to depend on a university in order to train our teachers.” State officials would have to OK the bid.

What does this mean for Students in the School of Education preparing to be a teacher? 

The move would allow the city to grant teachers the initial certification needed to enter a public-school classroom for up to five years. Currently, prospective teachers have to earn college credits in teaching and education before getting hired.

What does this mean to you? 

Click here to access the entire article. 

Upcoming Events

Looking For Something To Do?

In the next two weeks STAR and other School of Education Organizations have plenty of events going on all over campus for buddies and mentors to attend together. 

Tomorrow night is the STAR Fundraiser Dining to Donate at Applebee's in Fresh Meadows.

Bring your friends, family, and everybody you know out to have dinner at Applebee's. When you present the Dining to Donate flyer, 10% of your bill will go towards the STAR Program.

Next week is Anti-Bullying Week. 

For anybody who needs additional observation hours You Can Make It Better is going to IS 250 Robert F. Kennedy Middle School to do observations and work against bullying in schools.

The very next day a movie night will be held in the Pacini Room focusing on the highly relevant topic of  cyber bullying in schools. Sexting in Suburbia will be shown at 7pm for all those interested in attending.

During Anti-bullying week there will be a series of events going on throughout the entire week including STJ Storms out Bullying in the D'Angelo Center Monday the 22nd. Also, a speaking engagement with Lee Hirsch, the Director of the film Bully on Tuesday the 23rd in the Little Theater at 6pm

We strongly encourage all members of STAR to come out and show support for these events and learn about bullying in all forms and how to help prevent it in classrooms and in our own everyday lives.

Which event do you think you will go to?

Is there any kind of bully prevention event you would like to see happen?

How do you combat bullying? 

Study Time!

Midterm time is finally upon us and the S.T.A.R team would like to wish you all the best of luck! If you have already taken some of your midterms let us know how they went! Swapping study techniques and learning different ways to help you understand the curriculum will help you and your future students! What study habits work best for you? How do you prepare for a big exam? 

Upperclassmen: Do you have any words of advice for freshmen who are about to take their upcoming midterms? 

STAR Bake Sale - Huge Success!!!

S.T.A.R. held its first Bake Sale of the semester on October 1st. 

Mentors and Buddies came together to donate baked goods including cookies, brownies, pies and a multitude of beautifully decorated cupcakes.

S.T.A.R. would like to especially thank Nicole Mahig, Afshan Haq, Christina Talavera, Nicholas Amster, Dana Hetzel, Rosalie O'Brien, and Paulette Porfyris for their assistance to the STAR Bake Sale by either donating baked goods to our table or assisting in selling goods at the table during Common Hour.

S.T.A.R. was able to raise money to support the variety of upcoming programs both this and next semester.

The next upcoming S.T.A.R. fundraiser will be Dining to Donate at Applebees in Fresh Meadows. Come out and join the S.T.A.R. Coordinators and members for dinner and a good cause.

Did you see the amazing cupcakes? Which was your favorite? Sunshine? Mickey Mouse? Despicable Me?

Professional Development

Today Dean's Scholars held their first professional development with Professor Ehrlich where we discussed Laws in Education. The Dean Scholars, along with Kappa Delta Pi offer a variety of professional develops that prepare future teachers outside of the classroom.

Are you planning on attending any professional developments this semester? How do you think they can benefit you as a future educator? What do you think you can learn from these experiences?

Bring Taylor Swift to Campus

Free Taylor Swift Concert!!!

That is something everybody on campus can rally around.

St. John's University is part of a nation-wide contest to bring Taylor Swift to our Queens campus for a free concert this year. 

St. John's students are able to vote once every day in order to bring her to campus. Not only can we win a free concert from Taylor Swift here on campus but, the top 5 schools receive $10,000 to their music and arts departments which is something St. John's University and all of our students would love.

We encourage School of Education students to vote as much as you can and make your effort known by working to win this amazing contest. There are only a few days left in this contest so win this thing!

STAR Barbecue!!!!

Welcome to The School of Education!!!

S.T.A.R. Welcomes New Students at Barbecue

With the new school year upon us The School of Education held its 2nd Annual Barbecue on September 6th.

STAR Mentors and Buddies were able to meet for the first time and enjoy some delicious food while getting to know each other.

Students were welcomed by STAR Coordinators and the Kappa Delta Pi E-Board. Both gave information and advice to both new and returning students.

A great time was had by all as students and faculty mingled with hamburgers and hot dogs in hand on a beautiful September day. Mentors and Buddies made great connections that will continue to flourish as the school year continues. Mentors and Buddies will have the ability to meet up again on their own, with School of Education events as well as the multitude of S.T.A.R. events that are coming up later this year.

What did you think of the barbecue?

Are there any events you would like to see happen this school year?