Teacher Inservices offered by PHLF through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Since 1983, the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation has offered inservice courses for teachers in the fall, spring, and summer through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Courses are offered for Act 48 credit on a rotating basis. Interested teachers may call Landmarks at (412) 471-5808 for a schedule of current classes; please call the Allegheny Intermediate Unit at (412) 394-5761 for registration information.
Building Pride/Building Character: June 17-26, 2009
Nine teachers participated in “Building Pride/Building Character,” a 3-credit teacher inservice created by PHLF thanks to funding support from The Fine Foundation. Offered for the first time on June 17 through 26, 2009 (with a day off on June 25), “Building Pride/Building Character” gave teachers the skills and confidence they needed to connect a curriculum unit to their community in a way that builds student achievement and pride. Click here to read more and see photos.
After learning about the PA Department of Education’s “Resiliency Wellness Approach” and the interdisciplinary nature of architecture––and after touring downtown Pittsburgh, CMU, Oakland, Lawrenceville, and the North Side, one teacher commented:
- “This is by far one of the best classes I have ever been part of! Thank you so very much for sharing all of your knowledge with us and encouraging us to look at Pittsburgh in different ways!”
Another teacher added:
- “Thanks for your drive, enthusiasm, and inspiration. You opened our eyes to Pittsburgh! A place to love.”
The strengths of the course, according to the participants, were as follows:
- Solid Pittsburgh history and information. The instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful in brainstorming ideas for a new curriculum.
- It was great how Louise connected the past with the present. I can now remember dates, names, architectural details, etc. Very well organized! We were provided with a wealth of information. Thank you!
- The knowledge of the instructor and the wealth of information shared; the materials given to us. The instructor, classroom work, and the tours.
- Wealth of knowledge––hands-on approach.
- Opened my eyes to architecture and other things in Pittsburgh that I never saw before. It also helped me to make connections between my math curriculum and the community.
- The teacher and staff had great enthusiasm and shared it with us. They also had a vast knowledge of all sorts of things.
- The instructor, classroom work, and the tours.
- Varied instructions, instructor who is very enthusiastic, and great field trips.
- Revitalizing my view of Pittsburgh through studying its history from birth to present.
Course instructors for PHLF were Louise Sturgess, Executive Director; Karen Cahall, Ed. M., Education Coordinator; Richard Domencic, Ph. D., retired superintendent, educator, and docent; and Albert M. Tannler, Historical Collections Director.
Architect Richard Schmitz, Kelly Lyons (Program Director, CMU Architecture Explorations), Rege Kessler (retired art teacher), and volunteer interns Kelley Folts (Virginia Tech) and Jenna Houseman (University of Pittsburgh) assisted.
In addition, Pittsburgh Beechwood teachers Marie Mrvos and Linda Konczal-Evans and Franklin-Regional teacher Jan Mori shared their experiences in connecting their curricula to their communities.
PHLF thanks trustee Holly Brubach, the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Western Pennsylvania Room), Wilson & McCracken, 43rd Street Concrete & Asphalt Company, Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, Mattress Factory, and Mexican War Streets Society for welcoming class participants to their sites.
The following photos are highlights from the 7-day adventure.
Exploring Your City: to be scheduled in the fall of 2009
Gain firsthand knowledge about Pittsburgh’s architectural and historical development through a downtown walking tour, historical slide shows, and instruction in research techniques and architectural styles.
Teacher Induction Program: Getting Real: Connecting Classroom Curricula to your Community and City: March 27, 2010
Learn about Landmarks’ educational resources and teaching strategies in this half-day class. Hear how architecture students of all ages and abilities in cooperative group projects that strengthen skills in research, writing, math, social studies, and art.
Exploring Architecture
Through readings, lectures, slide shows, construction experiments, exercises in problem-solving, and walking tours of downtown Pittsburgh, South Side, Allegheny West, and Allegheny Cemetery, participants experience architecture as a creative discipline with practical classroom applications.
Exploring Your Neighborhood
Learn how to use artifacts, architecture, historic photographs, newspapers, city directories, and the landscape itself to investigate the history of your community. The course includes walking tours of Mt. Washington, Dormont, Manchester, and Friendship.
Pittsburgh Heritage
Teachers learn about Pittsburgh’s heritage by participating in art activities, incline and boat rides, and walking tours of Station Square, the Central North Side, Golden Triangle, and McKees Rocks.
Pittsburgh Heritage II
Course prerequisite: Pittsburgh Heritage
Through lectures, art projects, and walking tours of Troy Hill, the Hill District, Squirrel Hill, and Sewickley, teachers explore the built environment and learn how to use it as a resource for enriching traditional classroom activities
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