The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk will host a timely webinar on Thursday, May 8 at 5 p.m. focused on the current situation within which educators are working.
— an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium
At a time of unprecedented challenges for teachers, the aquarium is celebrating educators the week of May 4 as part of “Teacher Appreciation Week” via daily raffles, social media shout outs and a specially-themed webinar.
“Teaching during a Pandemic: a Sea Change for STEM Education and a New Role for Partners” will be hosted by aquarium president and CEO Jason Patlis and aquarium director of Education Tom Naiman.
The online panel discussion will explore the challenges educators have faced since schools closed, how they’ve adapted and what is working for them, and how parents can best support their efforts. Registration is free and available on the aquarium’s website.
Panelists will include Monisha Gibson, director of Maritime Odyssey Preschool in Norwalk, Tina Henckel, director of STEM education for Norwalk Public Schools and Mary Servino, Science Specialist/Coach, Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School.
Photo from the Maritime Aquarium
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is celebrating educators the week of May 4 as part of “Teacher Appreciation Week” via daily raffles, social media shout outs and a specially-themed webinar.
The Maritime Aquarium will select a winner from its teacher database every weekday to receive exciting prizes such as aquarium memberships, free tickets on the aquarium vessel and more.
Daily winners will be randomly selected and announced on the aquarium’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The aquarium’s social media pages also will feature a thank you video from the aquarium animals to the education community.
“Teachers have faced so many challenges and have adapted their entire method of working in less than two months. As their educational partner, we are excited to show them how much we admire all that they are doing for students and families,” said Tom Naiman, the Aquarium’s director of Education.
All of these special acknowledgements for Teacher Appreciation Week are in addition to the virtual learning offerings that the Maritime Aquarium launched in March.
Many of the aquarium’s STEM-based, standards-fulfilling educational programming have been adapted into online offerings that teachers and families can use as they implement distance learning.
“I often tell teachers that our goal is for every one of them to see the Aquarium as a true extension of their classroom,” Naiman said.
“That statement is heartfelt at all times, but even more so during the current situation, when many teachers are facing the greatest challenge of their careers. Our goal is to help teachers engage and inspire their students through this new platform.”
Learn more about what is available from the Maritime Aquarium during the COVID-19 crisis at the aquarium website.