Joyful Math and Science Learning at the UC Blake Gardens
August 2023
Elementary teachers were delighted and honored to have Superintendent Tony Thurmond drop by the Joyful Math and Science workshop this Summer. It was a beautiful day in the Blake Gardens. He had a chance to talk with, and hear from teachers, and to observe some awesome educators from across five districts: West Contra Costa, Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville and Hayward. Throughout the day, they worked together to strengthen science teaching and learning, with a focus on belonging and inclusion for young learners.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond came to our Joyful Math & Science teacher workshop at the Blake Gardens in Kensington. He heard about the amazing work our peer coaches are doing engaging fellow teachers in exploring effective ways to integrate math into science, and to foster student belonging – so he asked to come see it for himself! With a last minute scramble, we were excited to have the opportunity to host the Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent Cheryl Cotton. He spoke with the teachers, sat in on some of their discussions, and invited them to give him some “homework” that could help them in science teaching. It was a glorious morning in the Blake Garden. Teachers loved having these VIPs take note of their efforts!
This work is supported by generous grants from Impact100 East Bay and Wareham Development.