Featured Story
Educating Educators at the St. Luke’s August Institute
This past August, 10 teachers from across Connecticut and New York participated in a weeklong early educators workshop at St. Luke’s, called “August Institute.” This five-day, intensive workshop is designed to give new teachers the tools, strategies, activities, and training to run an effective and inclusive classroom on day one.
In its third year, the August Institute is designed to support new teachers by providing:- Exposure to engaging and student-centered activities
- Practice with the most effective educational technology
- Strategies for connection and inclusion
- Time to plan and practice the first week of lessons
During the first part of the week, August Institute facilitator, Abby Abbott, modeled and shared best practices. Guest speakers from the SLS faculty, including Academic Technology Coordinator Matt Bavone, English Teacher Emily Walsh, Assistant Head of Upper School Mary Frederick, and Director of Counseling & Well-Being Kari Olson, shared tips and strategies for getting the most out of the academic year. The final day of the workshop was a “demo” day, when the new teachers presented their first-day lessons for constructive feedback.
This year, the majority of participants were educators from outside of the SLS community, which is a powerful reflection on St. Luke’s growing reputation as a place where teachers come to learn and grow. The August Institute is a great reminder that Summer at St. Luke’s offers an exceptional education to both students and adults.
Learn more about Faculty Excellence in St. Luke's Strategic Plan.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
