As students learn new subjects every school year, many teachers see new faces but curriculum can only vary so much. While students are inspired to return to school with the anticipation of being challenged by concepts advanced from the previous year, teachers must also find inspiration each September.
In an effort to inspire both students and faculty at every education level, The Rumson Country Day School provides faculty with the opportunity to take advantage of a Faculty Enrichment Program. Thanks to past charitable donations, an endowed fund has been established for faculty enrichment. Annually, faculty members can apply for a compensated grant to travel somewhere they believe would enhance the curriculum of their specific field, whether it be studying ancient Rome through European museums, attending film school in Los Angeles, or completing various workshops.
For second grade teacher, Dovey Valerio, a grant took her on a community service trip to Uganda and Tanzania in the summer of 2009. When founders of ChangeALife visited RCDS to present their program and partnership between RCDS and the School of Migyera in Uganda, Valerio immediately wanted to get involved with their mission to influence children and families of Uganda through education.
“I wanted to become a part of that growth and vision,” says Valerio of the ChangeALife mission. “I proposed that it would benefit The Rumson Country Day School if I visited the School of Migyera in Uganda. I wanted to see the children that the families of RCDS sponsored,” continued Valerio describing the school uniforms, books, and classroom materials that have been donated to the School of Migyera.
For her young students, Valerio uses what she learned in Uganda to help instill important values. “This year we will learn about the differences in opportunities, lifestyle, community living, and overall responsibilities of each family member,” describes Valerio of how her experience has directly affected her curriculum.
