The Collaborative Leader  | 11m

"The idea of 'place' is often missing in our teaching."

Dr. David Allen, a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, is breaking the rigid mold of traditional lesson planning by examining classrooms through a theatrical lens. From researching how historical icons like Audre Lorde and Dorothy Day represented the culture of Staten Island to investigating modern community theater projects with local immigrant youth, Dr. Allen's work uncovers the profound connection between creative expression and systemic equity. Discover how he brings the improvisational philosophy of "Yes, and..." directly into school leadership networks, transforming the way future educators collaborate, innovate, and teach beyond the script.
 

The Math Playground | 8m

"The kids know everything." 
For Dr. Judit Kerekes, Professor of Mathematics Education at the College of Staten Island, true teaching means leaving the academic "tower" to meet students exactly where they are. In the third installment of the School of Education and Social Work’s In Conversation documentary series, Dr. Kerekes shares how she brings the rich traditions of Hungarian mathematics directly into local public school classrooms. Discover how she prepares CSI teacher candidates to reject the myth of the "math person" and spark a lifelong love for learning through collaboration, active listening, and creative play.
 

The Scholar-Artist | 9m

"I am because we are." 
Assistant Professor Brett Grant in the Community-Based Leadership doctoral program doesn't just teach education; he layers it like a musical track. From the soil of regenerative farms to the rhythm of community-based leadership, Dr. Grant explores a philosophy of the "head, hands, and heart." Discover how he is bridging the gap between the university and the streets, moving research off the shelf and into the lives of the people it serves.
 

The Future Educator | 2m

"It's not as scary as they think it is." 
Ashley Arndt has been preparing for her career since she was teaching complex addition to her siblings in her childhood basement. Now a freshman in the Teacher Education Honors Academy, she is on a mission to dismantle "math anxiety." Inspired by the warmth of her own high school mentors, Ashley shares her vision for a classroom where math is no longer a source of fear, but a space for confidence and connection.