Today’s post about the CANE Summer Institute is by Caitie McGee.
As the school year winds down, every teacher looks forward to the summer. I’d argue even more so than the students. However, for me summer doesn’t just mean the break from lesson planning or afternoons without mile long to-do lists, it means I get to spend a week with some amazing colleagues, meet new ones and further my own learning. It was only four years ago, that I learned about CANE, and someone suggested that I go to the Summer Institute. I was nervous as I had just graduated college and wasn’t really involved in any professional communities, but that quickly subsided as everyone I met was so friendly and open to sharing advice, teaching tactics and their general interests. I quickly learned what a great opportunity this week is to connect with other
teachers, professors, and Classicists as well as to help satiate that ever burning desire to learn more.
I enjoy the Summer Institute so much that last year, even with working part time in the mornings and going to graduate school in the evenings, I still took an afternoon course and attended some lectures.
On a practical level, this week long institute is a great professional development opportunity. However, the benefits of attending this program are far much more than simply fulfilling state requirements. This week provides opportunities to learn about a myriad of topics as well as how to incorporate technology into the classroom, refine Latin and Greek skills, meet new people, make connections with other teachers and professors, and get involved in the Classics community of New England. Although I certainly have been able to incorporate information from several of the lectures and seminars into my classroom, I cannot stress enough my enjoyment in the fact that this week always provides me with a week of my own learning and intellectual stimulation.
Logistically, the week consists of lectures on various pre-determined topics and morning and afternoon courses. Participants choose two week long courses. The dormitories, if you are a boarder, are very comfortable and clean. Everything is located within walking distance, and Providence is a great city to explore. There are a variety of dining halls and cafes for meals and snacks. Also, on
specific nights there are special events such as receptions, seminars, movies, etc. There is ample time for studying, learning, socializing and relaxing!
I hope that you will seriously consider attending this year’s institute. We are so lucky to have Jeri DeBrohun as the director again this year. She did an amazing job last year, and I know she will for this year as well. A list of lectures, seminars, and other important information as well as registration forms are located on the Summer Institute section of caneweb.org. I look forward to seeing you there!
Caitie McGee is currently Latin and English teacher at Bishop Stang High School and has taken a position as a Latin and Ancient History teacher at the Rectory School next year. You can find her on twitter @MagistraMcGee.