Teacher/Leader Quality Partnerships

About the Center

The Teacher and Leader Quality Partnerships (TLQP) program aims to improve the academic success of students (Pre-K through grade 5) by improving the quality of teaching through learning experiences. TLQP provides research-based professional development to administrators and teachers with the intent of increasing student learning in math, science and technology. This is achieved by partnering with faculty members that have dedicated their lives to mastering instructional techniques in mathematics, science and technology. The School of Education at Hofstra University has forged a partnership with the New York City Department of Education, Hempstead Public Schools and local private schools.

Support for this program is provided by a grant under the New York State Higher Education Teacher/Leader Quality Partnerships program administered by the New York State Education Department.


Pride, Mission, Vision

Purpose

The Teacher and Leader Quality Partnerships (TLQP) program at Hofstra University aims to improve the academic success of students in Hempstead and New York City public schools by improving the quality of teaching at the Pre-K through grade 5 levels. TLQP facilitates continuous improvement of in-service teachers and administrators, through established learning communities including Hofstra University faculty, in-service teachers, subject-matter coaches, specialists and administrators.

Mission

To create learning communities focused on promoting quality teaching by drawing on the experience and real-life skills of partner schools.

To use data and assessment as it applies to student achievement and improvement in both teacher preparation and classroom instruction.

Vision

To provide professional development that inspires changes in teaching and learning to improve student outcomes. The following areas of change are highlighted in professional development:

  • Learning objectives focused on key competencies
  • Learning that is tailored to the needs of the individual
  • Active learning that is authentic and connected to real life
  • Learning where technologies will be integrated
  • Advocate for lifelong learning
  • Education where innovation is encouraged

Eligibility

(individuals working with children, grades pre-k through 5)

  • Teachers (in service)
  • Principals and Assistant Principals
  • Teaching Assistants, Paraprofessionals or other administrators that work directly with students in participating schools

Professional Development Services & Activities

Professional development opportunities are a collaborative effort between partner schools, Hofstra University faculty members and educational consultants. Yearly, the planning committee reviews studies on teaching and learning. Research has shown that teachers gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and they refine pedagogical skills when they learn together and support one another while planning lessons. Commonly discussed strategies include accountability, classroom management, coaching, New York State Common Core Standards and tasks, differentiated learning as well as other teaching methods.

The TLQP Mathematics Learning Community is a group of teachers who, along with a faculty coach, systematically examine teaching practices to improve teaching and student achievement. Major math concepts, from one grade level to the next, are observed through the following three phases:  

  • A faculty coach models lessons from teachers several times per month.
  • The teacher demonstrates mastery of the observed instructional approach by working collaboratively on a small number of "study lessons" that require observing the strategy, teaching the strategy and critiquing the implementation of the strategy.
  • After each teacher has had the opportunity to master a strategy, the learning community meets afterschool to debrief and decide on the next topic or strategy.

The Best Practices in Education Institute (BPEI) combines Pre-K to 5th grade teachers with math education specialists, curriculum designers, scientists and community educators to focus on innovative techniques to teach across disciplines. Teachers exchange ideas, classroom experiences and explore best practices during class, afterschool or on Saturdays. Presenters review classroom-tested activities that further engage students in math, science and technology. The Best Practices in Education Institute is also a time for teachers and administrators to network and collaborate. Topics have included the following:

  • Contemporary Science Education Topics
  • The Socratic Seminar
  • Big Ideas That Students Carry with Them
  • Learning Targets
  • Instructional Rounds at a Glance
  • Frameworks for Effective Instruction
  • Inquiry-Based Science
  • Lesson Planning and Planning for the Lesson
  • Theory of Action
  • Science in the 21st Century
  • Science Resources in your Backyard
  • Math Games
  • The Math You Never Learned
  • Problem Based Learning

The Hofstra University STEM Studio brings together teachers and students on the Hofstra campus to participate in a teaching and learning laboratory focused on a problem-based approach to teaching and curricula, which addresses New York State Common Core Learning Standards. The studio provides math, science, and engineering design challenges that integrate literacy, social studies, multiculturalism, and the arts. The lab also offers master teacher mentoring and professional development. 

Learn More »

Teachers in Hempstead Union Free School District participate in professional development workshops to learn hands-on activities. Science 21 is an integrated program designed by teachers for teachers. It achieves a balance between process and content and provides tools to bring science that inspires student learning to the classroom. The major emphasis is on investigations that are student directed and relevant to students' everyday lives. The Science 21 program provides students with a strong foundation for the more rigorous science curricula at the secondary level.

Hofstra University faculty, teachers and educational consultants collaborate to create a science and technology laboratory for partner schools. The lab is designed to help teachers and students alike. Through regularly scheduled workshops, teachers learn how to use and incorporate hands-on activities, while students learn by seeing and doing.

Teachers attend conferences to learn how to integrate math, science and technology into lesson plans. TLQP also partners with local organizations to provide educational resources to teachers and students. Below are a few organizations: 

New York Aquarium
Museum of Natural History
New York City Audubon
New York City Soil & Water Conservation District
Environmental Education Advisory Council
The Coastal Marine Resources Center
New York Hall of Science
Long Island Children’s Museum
The Cradle of Aviation
The Long Island Firefighters Museum
The Jamaica Bay Watershed

Hofstra University faculty mentors help teachers reflect on the effectiveness and instructional outcomes of lesson plans. Mentors are also instructional coaches. Through modeling they show what works in the classroom and why. They also help teachers view teaching more holistically, including classroom environment, management and student understanding.

The STEM Institute offers teachers an opportunity to participate in hands-on, inquiry-based activities. Hofstra faculty, educational consultants and partner teachers collaborate to create math, science, and technology lessons that introduce learning experiences which incorporate the use of learning aids including manipulative and math games. Guest speakers from various STEM fields are invited to discuss cutting edge approaches that expose students to different ways to learn.

Faculty

Jacqueline Grennon Brooks, Ed.D.
Professor, Department of Teaching, Literacy and Leadership
Director, Institute for the Development of Education in the Advanced Sciences
Director, Secondary Science Education
School of Education, Health and Human Services

Julia Caliendo
STEM Studio
Teacher in Charge
School of Education

Alan Singer
Professor
Director, Secondary Education Social Studies
School of Education, Health and Human Services


Partners

The Teacher/Leader Quality Partnerships program supports the New York City Department of Education and Hempstead Union Free School Districts.

New York City Department of Education

P.S. 181 Brookville School
P.S. 118 Lorraine Hansberry
P.S. 040 George W. Carver
P.S. 297 Abraham Stockton
P.S. 394 Mary McLeod Bethune

Hempstead

Barack Obama Elementary School
David Paterson Elementary School
Franklin Elementary School
Front Street Elementary School
Jackson Annex Elementary School
Jackson Main Elementary School
Marshall Elementary School
Prospect Elementary School

Contact Us

Center for Educational Access and Success
School of Education
057 Hagedorn Hall
119 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549-1190
Phone: (516) 463-5794
Fax: (516) 463-5639

TLQP Graduate Assistant
Phone: (516) 463-5798
Fax: (516) 463-5639