Faculty from York College present at national middle school conference

Two faculty members from the York College Department of Education recently traveled to Louisville, Ky., to present at the 38th annual National Middle School Association conference.

Kathleen Wheeler, professor and chair of the Department of Education, and Alfred Arth, professor of education, were invited to present sessions on topics relating to middle grades curriculum and instruction. The sessions included "Ideas and Materials to Support Multiple Learning and Teaching Approach"; "Supporting Middle School Teachers with In-services Related to the Student, the Teacher, the Curriculum, and the Instruction"; and  "Ideas and Materials to Support Transition In and Out of Middle School."

Wheeler and Arth made large group presentations and worked with small groups for question sessions.

National Secretary of Education Arne Duncan was a presenter at the conference, as was actor, author, and child advocate Henry Winkler of Happy Days fame.

The conference was held November 10-12 and drew an audience of 8,000-10,000 classroom teachers, administrators, coaches, librarians, counselors, and other educators from across the country. Parents and board members were also present.

Wheeler says that the value of the event for her was the professional networking that took place, as well as the discussions about state accreditation for middle grades and the state of education in the nation.

Participants at the seminar took home ideas, skills, and handouts.  Wheeler and Arth were invited to the NMSA Leadership Reception where they met other educators from Nebraska and around the nation. 

Arth conducted the “Invitational” Friday evening.  This is an invitation only event that is meant to bring together middle grades educators to discuss a newly forming concept. 

In 2007, Arth received the highest honor bestowed by the NMSA, the Lounsbury Award, for his years of dedication and pioneering efforts in the field of middle school education. He is also a former board and committee member of the NMSA.